Province, Federal elections on Nov 26 challenging: CEC Yadav

KATHMANDU, Aug 22: Chief Election Commissioner Dr Ayodhee Prasad Yadav has argued that conducting both elections of Province and Federal Parliament on the same day was challenging since there were constitutional and managerial difficulties related to election process.

“The election date is fast approaching. We only have 60 days left,” said CEC Yadav while speaking during an interaction program organized by the Reporters’ Club Nepal on Tuesday.

“Announcing poll date is not just enough. The government has not submitted the Act related to Province and Federal Parliament election to the Election Commission (EC) yet. Also, we haven’t still got the report of Electoral Constituency Electoral Constituency Delineation Commission,” added Yadav.

“Without these fundamental documents, the EC can’t move it preparation ahead,” he furthered.

The government on Sunday fixed the date November 26 to conduct both elections in a single stage. Earlier, a meeting of the top three parties and the EC had reached an agreement to fix the date for November 20 and December 7.

“The EC had suggested two separate dates paying attention to the possible logistics difficulties. The weather will be challenging during those months… heavy snowfall is likely. One of the most challenging tasks will be the management of ballot papers, which are yet to be printed,” he added.

“There will be managerial difficulties related to other election materials, voter education, human resource, voters roll collection, and of the polling centers. We could face problems in transportation of election materials as weather condition could worsen.  And, we don’t have much time,” he said.

“We can’t just overlook these problems. If we seriously think about all these challenges, we may be in a condition to hold polls in two different dates,” he further added.

Yadav, however, welcomed the government’s announcement of polls date and added that the EC is fully prepared and committed to conduct the elections.

“The EC team is confidently moving ahead,” he added.

CEC Yadav also suggested the government to go with the two ballot papers. He added, “We are waiting for what kind of law the government will bring regarding the ballot papers. With four ballot papers, it will be impossible to hold two elections together.”