Kathmandu: The General Election Observation Committee (GEOC) has released a report stating that voters are enthusiastic about participating in the House of Representatives election scheduled for on Thursday, Falgun 21.
Based on field observations of election preparedness and information received through its call center, the organization has concluded that the overall pre-election environment is peaceful and administratively well managed.
GEOC conducted a study covering voting preparations, participation of political parties, cooperation and coordination, electoral challenges, the preparedness of the Election Commission, and the overall security situation.
According to GEOC General Secretary Krishna Man Pradhan, the report was prepared on the basis of meetings and interactions with political parties, voters, candidates, civil society representatives, the press, Chief District Officers, and District Election Officers.
The report states: “Field observation reports from national observers indicate that the necessary groundwork has been established for the election to be conducted in a peaceful, fair, free, and fear-free environment.”
Professor Chiranjivi Khanal, a national observer deployed by GEOC, noted that election preparations are progressing rapidly. Election staff have already reached polling locations, polling centers are being set up, and security personnel are responsibly deployed with due sensitivity.
He further stated: “Unlike in the past, when political parties and candidates attempted to influence voters through large rallies and mass gatherings, this time they have been engaging directly with voters at the community level. Political parties appear committed to the election process, and voters are enthusiastic.”
Hari Binod Adhikari, a press and freedom of expression advocate and national observer with GEOC, stated that a peaceful environment prevails for the election, and teams equipped with necessary resources and personnel are reaching polling stations.
He added: “Voters, candidates, representatives of political parties, and even Chief District Officers, along with the security apparatus, are confident that the election will be conducted peacefully. Current analysis indicates that an environment conducive to free, fair, and fear-free elections has been established.”
Other national observers, Ganesh Man Pradhan and Dr. Minen Shrestha, reported that most polling centers are located in schools and ward office buildings, making them generally voter-friendly. GEOC has deployed national observers across all seven provinces to assess the pre-election situation.
The report further states: “The implementation of integrated security plans at the district level, along with administrative and security preparations for the election, is satisfactory. Although competition among political parties is intense, the overall environment remains peaceful.”
It is also noted that the deployment of election materials and personnel to polling centers across the country has been completed as planned. Door-to-door campaigning and election activities have so far been conducted peacefully. GEOC has deployed 400 election observers across 250 local levels in 36 districts nationwide.:– RSS
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