Carter Center Election Observation Mission in Nepal Calls on Nepal's Government and All Parties to Focus on April 10 Elections February 2008

Carter Center's Contributions - Archive

November 2007 Statement by Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter in Nepal Pre-Election Statement February 2008 Pre-Election Statement August 2007 Pre-Election Statement June 2007 Pre-Election Statement April 2007

Calls on Nepal's Government and All Parties to Focus on April 10 Elections

Kathmandu, 17 February 2008, Carter Center$

The Carter Center has heard from Nepalis nationwide that they want peace, prosperity, and a representative, transparent, and accountable government. Nepal's political leaders need to respond to these expectations by holding a credible election for the constituent assembly on April 10, 2008.

Nepalis are concerned by the ongoing problems in the Terai, the poor security environment around the country, and recent election-related violence and threats. The responsibility to address these challenges quickly and effectively falls directly on the government.

The Carter Center is encouraged by ongoing talks with Madhesi leaders and hopes that this indicates the government's renewed commitment to addressing the challenges the country is facing as it prepares for the April 10 election.

"The government must convince Madhesis and other marginalized groups that it is ready to treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve," said former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. "At the same time, Madhesis should recognize that the constituent assembly election offers them unprecedented access to political power. With less than two months before the election, I encourage all sides to seek compromise in the best interest of Nepal."

The Carter Center also notes with concern the reports of threats and violence related to election campaigning.

"All parties, no matter what they stand for, should be allowed to campaign freely everywhere in Nepal," said Carter Center Field Office Director Darren Nance. "This is a basic principle of democracy and all of Nepal's political parties should publicly and repeatedly express their commitment to uphold it."

In its fifth pre-election statement, availabe below, The Carter Center shares its observations and recommendations about the ongoing electoral process in Nepal, based on more than a year of continuous international election observation by long-term observers and headquarters staff.

Key recommendations Resolve the immediate concerns of Madhesis and other marginalized groups Improve the security environment in the Terai and around the country Mobilize party machinery for peaceful campaigning Ensure freedom of movement for all, regardless of ethnicity or political ideology Continue election preparations with a focus on logistics and security Instill confidence that winning candidates from the proportional representation party lists will be selected in a transparent and responsible manner Intensify effective civic and voter education Maintain an impartial, well-trained, and coordinated domestic observation effort

Source: Carter Center February 2008

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