November 22, 2013
| Statement by the Election Observation Mission of Japan to Nepal for the election of the second Constituent Assembly
|
1. The Election Observation Mission of Japan observed the election of the second Constituent Assembly in Nepal on November 19th. The mission was headed by Mr. Masashi Ogawa, Ambassador of Japan to Nepal, and consisted of officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and an outside expert from Tokushima University. The mission was divided into two teams and conducted the observation at 13 constituencies and 20 polling centers in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur and Kavrepalanchok.
2. In the areas where the Mission conducted its observation, it recognizes that the preparation for the polling, the polling and the counting were conducted, by and large, in a peaceful, free and fair manner without serious irregularities or incident. Although the challenges were significant, many Nepalese people showed their enthusiasm to take part in the politics of country through the election.
3. The mission congratulates the people of�@Nepal on implementing the Constituent Assembly election, and also commends the efforts toward the election made by all the stakeholders, such as the Government of Nepal, the Election Commission of Nepal, and the Party representatives. Throughout the election process, the Election Commission was very cooperative to the Japanese and other foreign observation missions. The team expresses sincere gratitude to the Election Commission.
4. Japan hopes that this election will further consolidate democracy in Nepal and its post-electoral political process toward promulgating a Constitution will develop smoothly. Japan will continue to support Nepal’s efforts for peace-building and the consolidation of democracy.
(Note)
Japan extended grant-aid worth 149 million yen to support the electoral process in Nepal, including (I) ballot boxes, (II) stickers and security seals for ballot boxes, and (III) screens for polling booths.
|
