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The Election Commission has suggested a number of measures, including incorporation of the right to reject in the ballot paper, to make elections free, fair, transparent and reflective of the public pulse. A meeting of the EC held on Monday decided to forward a draft Bill to amend and consolidate laws relating to elections to the Parliament through the Ministry of Home Affairs. The draft has suggested including in the ballot paper an option—None of the Above (NOTA)—that will enable the voter to reject all of the candidates if they so wish. This recommendation is in keeping with a 2014 Supreme Court ruling that had directed the government to change electoral laws to give voters the option to reject all candidates if they so wish. If NOTA votes exceed 50 percent of total valid votes cast in any election, such election shall be canceled, the EC has proposed. This is not the only measure that the EC has suggested. It has proposed making a law barring an individual from serving as a member of parliament for more than two terms under the proportional representation system. The EC has also recommended that arrangements be made to enable Nepali voters based abroad to vote for elections for the House of Representatives under the PR system in coordination with diplomatic missions. It has suggested the government to collect the voters’ list abroad by mobilizing these missions. For the first-past-the-post system of elections for the House of Representatives and Provincial Assemblies, the EC has suggested that at least 33 percent candidates be female. It has proposed giving candidates from Dalit communities, women, economically disadvantaged or gender and sexual minorities, minority communities and persons with specific disabilities 50 percent discount on the bond amount. At local-level polls, EC has suggested using two separate ballot papers for positions like chair and vice chair as well as mayor and deputy mayor. A member of a party shall not be made a candidate on behalf of another political party without quitting the position, the bill states, adding: Candidates should spend money through bank accounts mentioned in their respective nomination papers. The EC said the draft has incorporated provisions in seven election laws as well as inputs from experts and stakeholders. Shaligram Sharma Paudel, spokesperson at the EC, said in a press release that the Commission has proposed new provisions on compilation of the voters list and the eligibility of candidates, among other issues. These suggestions came during discussions and interactions with stakeholders held at all seven provinces and the Center during drafting of the Bill, the commission said, adding that the Council of Ministers had given its theoretical consent for discussions and interactions on the matter on 29 Dec 2021. Countries like India, Spain, Pakistan and Bangladesh have embraced NOTA.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that the government would act more aggressively against corruption, setting a new revolution for good governance. During his meeting today with the CPN (Maoist Center)-affiliated YCL Nepal officials at the Prime Minister's official residence in Baluwatar, he said the government would not compromise with anyone else in its efforts to promote good governance. The Head of the Government promised to investigate scams and to penalize those responsible for offenses, according to YCL in-charge Ram Prasad Sapkota. During the meeting, the Prime Minister and the Maoist Centre Chair urged the party's youth wing to criticize the government if it performed negatively and promote its 'good' initiatives. He took time to say the government would not protect corruption under any circumstances and it was committed to meeting the people's aspirations. The CPN (Maoist Center) Chair urged the YCL to utilize its upcoming national convention scheduled to be held on September 25-27 as an opportunity to strengthen the organization through a new way and enriching relations with the people.  

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal said that there is a need for a peaceful revolution to ensure good governance, justice and prosperity. Speaking at a program organized on Monday to mark the 12th anniversary of GP Koirala Memorial College as well as the 100th birth anniversary of late Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, PM Dahal argued that the anomalies, anarchy irregularities and the threat to democracy could not be mitigated through general reforms. Hence, he acknowledged the need for a peaceful revolution. "At the time when democracy was facing threat, it was imperative to instill confidence in the people in the political parties having a long history. For this, I acknowledge the need for collaboration with the Nepali Congress and I am working towards strengthening the current coalition," observed the Head of the Government. He added: "The then insurgent Maoists came to peaceful struggle through the dialogues between the then Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala and I. The Federal Democratic Republic was established at the behest of the joint people's movement. It is our common responsibility to protect the democracy and republican system," said PM Dahal, also Chairperson of CPN (Maoist Center). Furthermore, he said that it is necessary to bring about positive changes in the lives of people by devoting oneself to nation-building with self-analysis rather than spreading hate-speech through social media. In this context, PM Dahal expressed his confidence that late Koirala's high level of courage and strong willpower would inspire one and all for that. "Koirala would always remain the source of inspiration to me throughout my life. He was my guardian. My faith and trust towards him will ever remain intact." Stating that the education sector was a decisive factor in nation-building, he said that the incumbent government is preparing to introduce the University Act.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Prakash Saud is leaving for Azerbaijan on Tuesday. He is leaving for Azerbaijan to participate in the Ministerial Meeting of the Coordinating Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement (CoB NAM) being convened under the theme of "NAM: United and steadfast in confronting emerging challenges" on July 3-6 in Baku, reads a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Minister Saud is scheduled to address the conference on Wednesday. During the visit, the foreign minister is scheduled to call on high dignitaries of the Government of Azerbaijan as well as meet with participating heads of delegation from various countries on the margins of the meeting, the statement reads The foreign minister will return to Kathmandu on July 8, 2023.