CA polls date announcement gathers wide welcome

Welcoming the government's announcement of a date for the Constituent Assembly (CA) polls, the United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) on Monday, urged all political parties to be committed at creating a free and fair atmosphere for the elections.

“Now that a date has been set for the election, it is essential that all parties commit themselves to addressing the considerable challenges that remain in order to create a free and fair atmosphere for the ballot,” a statement issued by the UNMIN said.

In the statement Martin said this was a critical step in the peace process (announcement of November 22 elections date), and it indicated the strong commitment of the political parties to work together to fulfill the historic promise to the people of Nepal to form a democratically elected Constituent Assembly.

The UNMIN statement added that the parties must now put forward a realistic plan and timetable to achieve rapid progress on simultaneous fronts, both technical and logistical as well as on political and security issues.
 
It has also urged the Interim Government continue to engage in real dialogue with historically marginalized groups — Madhesis, Janajatis, Dalits, women and others, as it was essential to ensure that there was a broad consensus among all elements of the electorate on the electoral system.

The UNMIN has also stressed the creation of conditions in all districts and villages which allow all parties to conduct their activities.

Meanwhile, India has also welcomed the announcement of date for the Constituent Assembly election.  India said it was an important step towards institutionalizing democracy in Nepal.

“The announcement of the date for constituent assembly election is an important step towards institutionalizing democracy, peace and development,” India’s external affairs ministry spokesperson said in New Delhi Monday.

Likewise, US ambassador to Nepal James F Moriarty has also lauded  the announcement of a date to CA polls. During the meeting with Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala on Tuesday, Moriarty welcomed the announcement.

He also urged PM to early maintain law and order situation in the country.