EC holds orientation for national election observer groups

The Election Commission (EC) organized an orientation program for national election observer organizations. The program focused on what election observers should and should not do during the upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) election scheduled for March 5.

During the program, EC Joint Secretary Narayan Prasad Bhattarai explained the concept of election observation and how it is practiced in Nepal.

Similarly, Joint Secretary Rajendra Kumar KC gave information about how the HoR election will be managed. He explained topics like polling stations, polling centers, vote counting, and the election schedule.

Joint Secretary Yagya Prasad Bhattarai talked about the Election Code of Conduct 2082 BS, while Joint Secretary Gyanhari Ghimire explained constitutional provisions related to the HoR election system. He also informed participants about the roles and responsibilities of election observers.

The orientation program was attended by representatives from 37 national observer organizations.

Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari, along with other election commissioners and the EC secretary, stressed that observers must clearly understand Nepal’s Constitution and election laws.

They also said observers must submit reports to the EC about activities before the election, on election day, and after the election.

The EC instructed observers to follow the election code of conduct. They were told not to misuse vehicle passes, not to support or oppose any political party, not to create unnecessary problems at polling stations, and not to disturb election officials while they work.

According to the EC, 37 national and three international observer organizations have been approved to monitor the March 5 election.