Ballot paper printing for FPTP election to start today: CEC Yadav

KATHMANDU, Oct 27: Chief Election Commissioner Dr Ayodhee Prasad Yadav has shared that the printing of the ballot paper for the proportional representation (PR) system for the upcoming elections to the House of Representatives and Province Assemblies was over while the printing of the ballot paper for the first-past-the-post (FPTP) system would start from today.

The elections are scheduled for November 26 and December 7 respectively and in two rounds. The first round of elections will be conducted in 32 districts while the second round will be held in the remaining 45 districts on December 7 this year.

Speaking during an interaction program organized by the Reporters’ Club Nepal on Friday, Chief Commissioner Yadav said, “The printing of ballot papers for the parliamentary and provincial elections under the Proportional Representation category has been completed today itself.” He added, “The process of printing ballot papers will start today at the Janak Education Materials Centre (JEMC) as per the election calendar.”

He reaffirmed the Election Commission (EC)’s commitment to make preparations for the elections respecting the verdict of the Supreme Court.

“Holding both elections in a single go is a big task from both managerial and technical point of view but the Commission is committed to hold the elections after the request of the government,” he added.

The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday sought written response from the Election Commission (EC) for the assurance of separate ballot papers for the federal and provincial elections under the first-past-the-post system.

CEC Yadav also clarified that the EC had not received any formal letter from the Supreme Court regarding its ruling. He said, “No any official letter or order of SC has reached our office yet.”

The SC’s ruling raised some technical issues and concerns about the possible political fallout and poll deferral. But Yadav clarified, “The reports concerning the possibility of poll deferral is just a hoax. There is no confusion in election talking place on the announced date,” he said adding, “The SC’s ruling should not affect the elections.”

He also shared that the nomination of the candidates for the first phase of election was already over and the candidates and parties were already awarded election symbols and the office of the Returning Officers for the second phase of elections were also set up.

Yadav also assured of high level security to ensure safety during the election and compliance with the electoral code of conduct.