 Dinesh Kumar Thapaliya emphasized the need for intensive discussions between political parties and stakeholders to ensure the participation of Nepali voters abroad in the election process.){kind=link}
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Dinesh Kumar Thapaliya emphasized the need for intensive discussions between political parties and stakeholders to ensure the participation of Nepali voters abroad in the election process. Addressing a program organized by the Election Commission and the International Organisation for Migration, CEC Thapaliya highlighted the global concern of ensuring voting rights for Nepali citizens living outside their registered voter locations and those living abroad.
Key Points from the Address
- Global Concern: CEC Thapaliya stressed the importance of not depriving Nepali citizens living abroad of their voting rights, calling it a matter of global significance.
- Legal and Managerial Arrangements: He called for legal and managerial frameworks based on the existing constitutional system and international legal practices to address the issue.
Election Commission’s Commitment
Secretary of the Election Commission, Rabi Lal Pantha, reiterated the Commission’s commitment to ensuring voting rights for Nepalis living abroad. He noted that migration is both a right and a necessity for citizens and that the Commission is serious about addressing the low voter turnout linked to outmigration.
Supreme Court Directive
- Implementation Efforts: The Election Commission and the government are working to implement the Supreme Court’s March 2018 directive to make legal arrangements allowing Nepalis living abroad to vote.
- Program Deliberations: The program aims to generate suggestions and recommendations through discussions among experts, political representatives, and stakeholders.
Importance of the Initiative
Ensuring voting rights for Nepalis abroad is crucial for:
- Increasing Voter Turnout: Addressing low voter turnout in districts affected by outmigration.
- Upholding Democratic Rights: Ensuring all citizens can participate in the electoral process, regardless of their location.
- Legal Compliance: Aligning with the Supreme Court’s directive and international practices.