Foreign diplomatic missions call for free and fair election

Foreign diplomatic missions based in Kathmandu on Tuesday, have called for free and fair Constituent Assembly (CA) polls.

"We, as friends of Nepal, look forward to Thursday's Constituent Assembly elections. This is a historic opportunity for the Nepali people to consolidate the peace process and to create a more democratic, inclusive future for their country," said a joint statement issued by the diplomatic missions of United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Canada, Denmark, European Commission, Finland, France, Germany, Israel, Japan, Republic of Korea, the Netherlands, Norway, Russia and Switzerland.

"During the period between Election Day and the final announcement of the results and formation of the CA, we urge all parties to remain patient and to abide by the established mechanisms for dispute settlement," said the statement, adding “We look to them to cooperate with the Interim Government and with one another to ensure a smooth transition to the new legislature and government."

Expressing their deep concern over the reports of election-related violence and intimidation in different parts of the country the statement read, "We are deeply concerned by the election-related killings, abductions, disturbances and intimidation which continue to take place in parts of the country, despite the agreement among the party leaders to end the violence."

They also said that they were glad to support these elections politically, diplomatically, financially and through the deployment of impartial international observers. "It is essential that all international and domestic observers are able to do their job in safety, without obstruction or interference," the statement read further.