Chief Election Commissioner Says Falgun 21 Election is Without Alternative

Kathmandu: The Chief Commissioner of the Election Commission, Ram Prasad Bhandari, has said that the election to be held on Falgun 21 is an election without any alternative. 

Speaking on Wednesday at the closing ceremony of the Orientation Program 2082 regarding the submission of the closed list for the Proportional Representation (PR) system for the House of Representatives, he stated that the only option to clear the "tampering" done to the Constitution of Nepal and to provide good governance according to the constitution is the election.

He said, "The election to be held on Falgun 21 is now an election without alternative. If the election does not happen, what is the alternative? We cannot even imagine that right now. We cannot define it. To put it concretely, the current Constitution of Nepal has indeed been tampered with. 

To clear all this tampering and provide good governance according to the constitution, the only option is the election; therefore, the election must be held at any cost. Discussions about whether or not to hold the election will now be useless."

Similarly, he mentioned that since the date the election was announced, the Election Commission has been fully dedicated to completing the election by any means. "From the date the election was announced, the Election Commission has been focused on completing the election by any means. It is working 24 hours a day. In the mindset of the Commission, nothing else exists except holding the election at any cost," he said.

Furthermore, Chief Commissioner Bhandari urged those sending the closed list of proportional candidates on Poush 13–14 to do so only after checking it very carefully. He stated that it would be easier for both the parties and the Commission if the list is submitted in a way that requires no amendments or changes, fulfills all legal processes, and ensures the representation of all ethnic groups (Janajatis).

He said, "I clearly urge you all to send the individuals you are choosing only after looking at them very carefully. It is not just about sending; the submission process must be proper. If you submit that list in a way that requires no amendments or changes, fulfills all procedures required by the laws and rules, and represents all ethnic groups, it will be easier for you and the Commission."