Elections will be held in free, fair and impartial manner: Home Minister
Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal has asserted that the elections to the House of Representatives scheduled for March 5 would be held in a free, fair and impartial manner.
In the course of inspecting the voting centers of Baiteshwor Rural Municipality in Dolakha district today, Home Minister mentioned that the elections would be made fair and impartial this time by correcting the past weaknesses.
He also directed the concerned officials to create such environment where voters could cast vote peacefully with confidence.
On the occasion, the Home Minister urged all concerned sides to involve in preparation of their respective election constituencies being aware about the wrong, misleading and misinformation disseminated in social platforms.
A team comprising Home Minister Aryal and Acting Chief Election Commissioner, Ram Prasad Bhandari, inspected the voting centers of the rural municipality and discussed about election security.
Inspector General of the Armed Police Force, Raju Aryal, Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General, Pradip Jung KC, Additional Inspector General of Police, Ganesh Thada Magar, Spokesperson of the Home Ministry, Ananda Kafle, Assistant Spokesperson Rama Acharya, Chief District Office of Dolakha, Hari Prasad Ghimire, Chief Returning Officer, Ram Prasad Neupane, among others were present on the occasion.
The team enquired about local level elections and elections to the House of Representatives held in 2079 as well as election security plan for the upcoming HoR election, shared Assistant Spokesperson Acharya.
It was shared that security has been tightened at different borders in view of sensitivity and problems surfaced in the voting centre in past.
Similarly, Acting Chief Election Commissioner Bhandari requested all stakeholders for their active participation in order to hold the elections in fair, impartial and fear-free environment.
He also directed to ensure election security by carrying out preparation of the election, finding out possible problems keeping past election sensitivity in mind.
Briefing about the present election situation of the district, Chief Returning Officer Neupane and Chief District Officer Ghimire informed that coordination among security bodies is underway.
Likewise, Inspector General of APF, Aryal, briefed about district security.
There are eight voting centers, 21 polling stations and 18,422 voters in Baideshowr Rural Municipality.
DAO calls for restraint during Holi amid upcoming polls
The District Administration Office (DAO), Kathmandu has urged the public to maintain peace and order and be mindful about the upcoming elections while celebrating Holi festival.
The elections to the House of Representatives is scheduled on March 5 while the Holi, festival of colours, in the hilly area is on March 2 and in Tarai region on March 3.
Issuing a notice today, the DAO, Kathmandu also appealed to the people to not organize huge gatherings, organize celebratory programs on streets and sell and distribute alcohol in public places during the Holi.
The local administration clarified that celebrating Holi culturally and religiously within the premises of one's house with family and friends will not be restricted.
The DAO, Kathmandu has urged full compliance with the Election Code of Conduct enforced by the Election Commission of Nepal in view of the upcoming elections.
The notice issued by Assistant Chief District Officer, Muktiram Rijal, states that it is prohibited to use election candidates' election symbols, flags, stickers or any materials displaying symbols, including caps, t-shirts, jackets, bags or other items during rallies, mass gatherings or election campaign related activities.
The administration has requested the public not to engage in activities that violate the Election Code of Conduct by using such materials.
The notice also warns that forcibly throwing colours or splashing water on someone against their will, consuming alcohol and disrupting public order, creating excessive noise and engaging in any unruly activities are considered unlawful.
Chinese Ambassador Zhang calls on PM Karki
Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Zhang Maoming paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Friday.
During the meeting, they exchanged views on various dimensions of Nepal-China relations.
According to the Prime Minister's Secretariat, the Prime Minister congratulated Zhang on the assumption of the post, wishing him a successful term.
She hoped that the Ambassador would successfully carry out his duties, thereby contributing to take the friendly relations between the two countries to a new height.
The Chinese Ambassador congratulated the Prime Minister for building an atmosphere conducive to House of Representatives election by maintaining peace, security and a rule of law.
He added that China's support and cooperation would always be there in such a process.
The Prime Minister thanked China for its goodwill and support for the election, a significant part of Nepal's democratic process.
She also, on behalf of Nepal and Nepali citizens, expressed her gratitude to the Chinese government for its support to various development projects in Nepal.
The Prime Minister and the Chinese Ambassador exchanged best wishes on the occasion of the Chinese New Year.
Stating that the two nations are closely connected by culture, geography and historic ties, Prime Minister Karki reiterated Nepal's commitment to the Panchasheel Principles (The Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence).
She affirmed Nepal adheres to the 'One-China Policy', and made it clear that no activities against its close neighbour would be entertained in its territory.
Instability in one nation may cause issues in another nation, she reminded, underlining the need for strengthening mutual cooperation for having regional peace and stability.
In response, the Chinese Envoy, on behalf of the people and President of China, expressed gratitude to the Nepal government for its policy and stance regarding China.
NC's mass gathering in Pokhara today
Nepali Congress (NC) has organized a mass gathering in Pokhara today targeting the upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) elections.
NC Kaski secretary and spokesperson Nabin Sigdel informed that party President Gagan Kumar Thapa and Vice President Bishwo Prakash Sharma are set to address the gathering to be held at Amarsingh Chowk in Pokhara.
He stated that leaders and cadres along with candidates from all 18 constituencies within the province will participate in the gathering.
Spokesman Sigdel noted that the general public will be imparted a direct message about the changed NC's clear ideas, policies, working style and upcoming plans through the mass gathering.
With the election date approaching, parties have intensified their campaigns.



