Nepalis Living Abroad Cannot Be Deprived of Voting by Citing Lack of Time: Sumana Shrestha

Kathmandu: Former Minister Sumana Shrestha has warned the Election Commission not to deprive Nepalis living abroad of their voting rights by citing a lack of time. She said the upcoming election announced for 5 March carries the spirit of the 8 and 9 September revolution and warned the Commission not to repeat the old pattern or bring back the same faces.

In a Facebook post, Shrestha, who also serves as an aide to Prime Minister Sushila Karki, challenged the Commission to reveal the names of political parties that are preventing registered voters from participating. She said, “The Election Commission is a constitutional body. An organization mandated to conduct fair elections by including all adult voters does not have to wait for the permission of any party.”

She reminded the Commission that the Supreme Court had issued a mandate years ago to make arrangements for voting from abroad. She questioned the Commission’s working style, saying it still lacks preparation. “There was a Supreme Court order years ago to make arrangements for citizens living abroad to vote, but there is no preparation yet? Will the Election Commission start work only after the date is announced? If so, what is the rationale for having permanent staff in the Election Commission?” she asked.

Shrestha urged the Commission not to lose its footing if it cannot begin voting from abroad this time as well. She added that they are ready to provide support, just as they did during voter registration through national identity cards.

 

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