Kathmandu, November 20
The United States has expressed concerns over recent incidents of attacks on candidates in the run-up to provincial and federal parliamentary elections.
In a statement issued today, the US Embassy in Kathmandu has appealed to all “to maintain and uphold a peaceful and democratic election process.”
“Following the largely peaceful conduct of Nepal’s three phases of local elections, the United States is alarmed at recent attacks on political candidates and condemns any attempt to impede the electoral process through the use of violence,” the Embassy says, “A key principle of democratic electoral systems is protecting the rights of citizens to participate in the electoral process without fear of violence or harm.”
The US has called everyone to respect the freedoms of peaceful expression and assembly, and individual voters’ rights as laid out in Nepal’s laws and constitution. It says security forces should also exercise restraint and comply with national and international standards when carrying out their duties.
The statement says the US is committed to working with all stakeholders for a peaceful, inclusive, and credible election process.
