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VOL. 27, NO. 31, April 18, 2008 (Baishakh 06 2065 B.S.)
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Outside Perspective
The international community welcomes the smooth conduct of election and anxiously watches its results unfurl
By A CORRESPONDENT
The international community has expressed happiness over the successful conduct of the Constituent Assembly (CA) election. From UN to US and from India to UK, all of them have congratulated Nepal for the way the election has been conducted.
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has congratulated Nepali people on peaceful election to constituent assembly. "The Secretary-General congratulates the people of Nepal on Constituent Assembly election which took place in a generally orderly and peaceful atmosphere," UNSG's spokesperson said in a statement Friday (April 11).
"He commends the Nepalese for their enthusiastic participation in this historic event and appeals to all parties to remain calm while awaiting the result," the statement reads.
The United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) has called on the political parties and leaders to accept the people's decision reflected through the Constituent Assembly (CA) election, which it said was conducted, by and large, in a peaceful and orderly manner.
"Political parties and their leaders now need to ensure that they accept the people's decision through this election, or where they have challenges in relation to the process to pursue these through the proper legal channels," states a statement issued by Special Representative of UN Secretary General and UNMIN chief Ian Martin.
He said that this has been Nepal's most observed election, and in the coming days and weeks both international and national observer groups will be making public their findings regarding the electoral process, including preparations, polling and the post-polling process.
"UNMIN's electoral staff will remain in the regions and districts until the count is complete, and the monitoring of arms and armies will continue. OHCHR-Nepal human rights officers will continue their monitoring work from their five regional offices."
The Government of India has hailed the election as a "welcome and historic step" towards realizing the aspirations of the people of Nepal for a democratic future.
The spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs of India issued a statement in New Delhi terming the election as a "happy outcome" which is a "product of the determination of the people of Nepal, with significant contributions by the political parties and the Election Commission of Nepal."
The statement further said that the Constituent Assembly provides a platform for the people of Nepal to determine the manner of their governance and their future.
"As always, India will stand by the people of Nepal in the major tasks of democratization and development that lie ahead while building a stable, prosperous and peaceful Nepal," the statement added
The United States has said that the country has taken a huge step forward on the path of peace and democracy.
"The United States heartily congratulates the people of Nepal on their successful Constituent Assembly election on April 10. After nearly a decade since the last general election and more than half a century of demanding the opportunity to elect representatives to draft a constitution, the voters have spoken," states a press release issued by the US Embassy in Kathmandu.
"Despite pre-election violence and intimidation and the regrettable death of candidates and party workers, only a small percentage of polling stations will require re-polling. Overwhelmingly across the country men and women were able to cast their ballots in a peaceful and orderly way," it said, adding, "This represents an historic achievement and is a tribute to the courage of the Nepali people and the conduct of the Election Commission."
" Nepal has taken a huge step forward on the path of peace and democracy. In the days and weeks to come as the votes are counted, we urge patience and respect for the results," it said
The United Kingdom (UK) has congratulated Nepal for holding "largely peaceful" election. "This was an important day in the history of Nepal," British Foreign secretary David Miliband said in a statement Saturday (April 12).
"While I was saddened by the instances of violence and misconduct that occurred, the Election Commission's reports of a strong voter turnout are encouraging, as are the positive assessments of the conduct of the polls made by the EU and other observer missions," Miliband said
He further said that the International observers will continue to monitor the process during the period in which the votes are counted and results announced, while insisting that during this period, and as the Constituent Assembly (CA) is formed, "it is important that the political parties respect the will of the people and use agreed mechanisms to resolve any disputes."
"The UK urges them to work together to tackle the critical political and socio-economic issues facing Nepal, so that the people of Nepal can be confident that the future will be peaceful and prosperous. The UK stands ready to assist in building the new Nepal," he added.
