KATHMANDU, Nov 24: Chief Election Commissioner Dr Ayodhee Prasad Yadav has appealed all the voters to cast votes assuredly as the government has arranged reliable security measures for the elections. The first phase of parliamentary and province assembly is being held in 32 districts (of hilly region) on November 26. The second phase will be conducted in the remaining districts on December 7.

“Concerns over the security have been raised after a number of attacks targeting the election candidates and their poll campaign, but the government has arranged full security. The Election Commission wants to appeal all the voters to exercise their voting franchise in confidence,” said Yadav while speaking at a face-to-face interaction program organized by the Reporters’ Club Nepal on Friday.

“The EC has been regularly discussing with the security officials regarding the election security,” he added.

“We are committed to guaranteeing free, fair and peaceful election. Possible threats have been minimized, thus everyone can vote fearlessly now,” he furtherd.

He also urged the voters to participate in voting with patience and encourage each other for the same and added that he is expecting “voters’ enthusiastic participation in the upcoming elections as in the recent local level elections.”

He also took time to request the security personnel deployed in the election to remain alert to any untoward threats, and ensure full security to all the voters, political leaders and election candidates.

Dr Yadav also requested the political parties, election candidates, voters and media to respect the election silent period.

He added, “The election silent period is the time given to voters to exercise their conscience and to think before casting their ballot,” and urged all to leave the voters free to choose their candidates.

He further shared that the government has completely followed the election code of conduct. “Prime minister and ministers have conducted their election activities completely abiding by the election code of conduct. There has been no problems in this regard.

He also suggested all the bodies concerned to cooperate in setting up polling centers and appreciated the employees’ contribution in making the election successful despite geographical remoteness and adverse weather in some mountainous districts.