India questions credibility of polls

After United States and Japan, India also questioned the credibility of the municipal elections conducted in the country on Wednesday.

According to a statement issued by India’s External Affairs Ministry spokesperson, Navtej Sarna, “Any credible electoral exercise should have the active involvement and participation of all the mainstream parties,” adding, “Only then would such elections be able to contribute to the restoration of democracy and political stability. The fact is that the elections have been held against the backdrop of a boycott by the major recognised political parties, sharp curtailment of their legitimate activities and continued arrest and detention in various forms of many of their leaders.”

The statement further said, “We are of the view that the grave challenges facing Nepal demand the initiation of a genuine process of national reconciliation, dialogue and participation which can facilitate a peaceful political settlement.”

Earlier, United States marked the polls as ‘a hollow attempt’ and called on the King to release political detainees and open dialogue with the political parties.

Japan has also ‘deplored’ the way the elections were held “without a broad support” of the Nepali people.

India and the US have been stalling military assistance to Nepal following the February 1 royal takeover of last year, marking the move as setback to democracy. nepalnews.com pb Feb 10 06

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