Mainali’s transfer will make no difference in polling process: CEC Yadav

KATHMANDU, June 23: Chief Election Commissioner(CEC) Dr Ayodhee Prasad Yadav has clarified that Election Commissioner Secretary Gopi Nath Mainali’s transfer will have no affects on the June 28 local election.

“Government asked us for his transfer. Since I came here in 2007, as many as 13 secretaries have been transferred. It is a regular process. And I want to assure that it is not going to effect in the polling management and process,” he clarified while speaking during an interaction program organized bt the Reporters’ Club Nepal on Friday.

“Our management is strong. We work under a system. Transfer of some staff will have no difference in election process. The Election Commission hasn’t taken it as a serious issue,” he added.

A cabinet meeting on Thursday transferred Mainali to Prime Minister’s Office in a row over a procurement of luxury cars for the five election commissioners and other logistics issues.

He was transferred after all five commissioners demanded Mainali’s replacement saying that he was unsupportive and creating difficulties in using the allocated funds for election purpose.

After his transfer, Joint Secretary Maheshwor Neupane, who was working at the General Administration, has replace him for the post.

CEC Yadav, stating that the EC had already completed its preparation for June 28 polls, requested all the voters to participate in the polls enthusiastically and fearlessly.

He further said that the EC have deployed more man powers taking into consideration the number of local levels which is more in number than the first phase local polls. “We even have set voting centers in Bajura and Taplajung which have only 30 and 40 voters respectively.”

Yadav also informed that the filing of nomination had been exciting across the country which is termed as a ‘good sign to success’. “I believe second round of election will be held in peaceful environment,” he said.

He also appreciated the political parties’ participation and patience and further said, “Election and voting education has been effectively taken to people’s level. We have publicized it through print and electronic media.”

“Election symbols have been allocated to all the candidates. The voters identity cards would be distributed from June 25 and arrangements have been made for imparting voter education on the correct way of marking the election symbol on the ballot paper at the time of distribution of voter ID cards,” he added.
Yadav also expressed his confidence that more votes would be cast in the second phase polls comparing to first phase. “We are expecting more that 74 percent of votes,” he added.

He further said that the EC is doing its homework to publish the result of election as fast as it could. “We have learned a lot from the first phase of election,” he added.

He also urged the political parties to conduct their election campaigns within the parameters of the election code of conduct

Stating the Election Commission has arranged for monitoring at various stages to make the election free, fair and flawless, he asserted that the election environment is seen very positive and encouraging after the filing of nomination papers.