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Election is Democracy in Nepal

By Bahadur

HECTIC works have started, in order to hold the municipal polls slated for February 8, 2006. It is a matter of accomplishment that things are going on in the right direction for the reactivation of the democratic process.

It is irresponsible on the part of some political parties to call for the boycott of the polls. Their commitment to democracy demands everyone's active participation in the elections. To shout foul about the coming elections exhibits their non-commitment to the norms and principles of democracy.

If they are true adherents of the democratic system, they should come open heartedly in favour of the reactivation of the democratic process that has begun with the announcement of the municipal polls, to be followed by the parliamentary election within next year of the Nepalese calendar.

These are positive developments, and all the political parties must feel them as headway in the right direction. It's not street protests or other forms of defiance that will do good to the people and the country. The people's interest lies in their being able to choose their representatives to the local bodies as well as at the central level.

Instead of obstructing the democratic process, it is of utmost necessity that the political parties support the government's initiative of bringing the country on the right track for lasting peace to evolve.

In this connection, a workshop on municipal polls commenced the other day for election officers and assistant election officers of the Mid-Western Development Region. Meanwhile the Election Commission has appointed the Chief District Officers of the districts that have municipalities as election officers.

At the inauguration of the workshop, Chief Election Commissioner Keshab Raj Rajbhandari directed the election officers to carry out elections in a fair, fair and peaceful environment. He also stressed the fact that the historic municipal polls, which have received international importance, should be carried out so as to consolidate the derailed democracy and enhance the good image of Constitutional Monarchy and multi-party democracy.

When an atmosphere has been created for holding the polls, it seems undemocratic on the part of some political parties calling for the boycott of the polls. It shows their petty interest and a disregard of the basic tenets of democracy. Taking part in the elections would enhance the democratic process and give the people their right to choose their representatives to work for them.

The active participation of all is what democracy is all about. Shedding all differences, all should work for making the elections a success.