HoR polls: EC conducts orientation for national observer organisations

Kathmandu, Feb 7: The Election Commission (EC) has organised an orientation for national election observer organisations, focusing on the dos and don’ts for election observers.

EC Joint Secretary Narayan Prasad Bhattarai briefed participants on “Election Observers: Concepts and Nepal’s Practices,” while Election Management Division Chief and Joint Secretary Rajendra Kumar KC delivered a presentation on the management of the House of Representatives (HoR) elections for 2082 BS, covering polling stations, polling centres, vote counting, and the election schedule and programme.

Similarly, Law and Party Management Division Chief and Joint Secretary Yagya Prasad Bhattarai shared insights on the Election Code of Conduct, 2082 BS. Joint Secretary Gyanhari Ghimire presented on “Constitutional Provisions Regarding the House of Representatives and the Electoral System,” and also briefed participants on the duties and responsibilities of election observers.

The programme was attended by chiefs and representatives of 37 national observer organisations.

Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari, along with Commissioners Dr Janaki Kumari Tuladhar and Sagun Shumser JB Rana, and Secretary Krishna Bahadur Raut, stressed that election observers must have a proper understanding of Nepal’s Constitution and electoral laws.

They emphasised that observers should submit reports on pre-election, election-day, and post-election activities to the EC.

Participants were instructed to abide by the Election Code of Conduct, 2082 BS, not to misuse vehicle passes, not to favour or oppose any political party, not to raise unnecessary questions at polling stations, and not to obstruct the duties of election officials.

According to the EC, a total of 37 national observer organisations and three international observer organisations have received permission to observe the HoR elections scheduled for March 5. (RSS)