India disappointed over deferred Nepal elections
In a strong reaction to the developments in Nepal, India expressed “disappointment” over the postponement of elections in Nepal for the third time.
By TNN |
NEW DELHI: In a strong reaction to the developments in Nepal, India expressed “disappointment” over the postponement of elections in Nepal for the third time.
Reacting swiftly to the developments in the neighbouring Himalayan country, India said the postponement of the elections, a key component of the peace process, also affected the credibility of the democratic process.
“The repeated postponement of elections erodes credibility and affects the process of democratic transformation and legitimisation in Nepal,” said ministry of external affairs spokesperson Navtej Sarna.
Nepal’s ruling parties agreed to the Maoist demand to postpone the elections to choose the Constituent Assembly. The assembly elections were slated for November 22, and would have been a large step forward in Nepal’s move towards becoming complete democracy. Nepalese Parliament is now scheduled to convene on October 11 to discuss the Maoists’ demands.
With no fresh dates fixed for the elections, India also hoped that the interim Parliament would decide on a date for the elections. “We hope that the special session of the interim Parliament will address all relevant issues democratically, to enable the people of Nepal, who have sacrificed so much, to choose at the earliest their own future and the manner of their governance, through a free and fair election process,” the MEA spokesperson added.
The Maoists quit the government demanding abolition of the monarchy and changes to the election process. They are now demanding that their demands should be met before the elections.
Only last month foreign secretary Shiv Shankar Menon had visited Kathmandu and met Nepalese Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala. He had also said holding the elections on time was of “critical importance” for Nepal.
The US and the EU also reacted strongly, and said the political parties should quickly fix another date. The US expressed “disappointment” with the decision and said Nepal’s people “have been denied a timely opportunity to elect representatives to decide the framework for the future government.”
The EU asked “the government, the parties, civil society and others to work together in support of the peace process and to honour the agreements and commitments.”
The BJP has said any decision about the future of the monarchy should be taken by a duly elected Constituent assembly.
Reacting swiftly to the developments in the neighbouring Himalayan country, India said the postponement of the elections, a key component of the peace process, also affected the credibility of the democratic process.
“The repeated postponement of elections erodes credibility and affects the process of democratic transformation and legitimisation in Nepal,” said ministry of external affairs spokesperson Navtej Sarna.
Nepal’s ruling parties agreed to the Maoist demand to postpone the elections to choose the Constituent Assembly. The assembly elections were slated for November 22, and would have been a large step forward in Nepal’s move towards becoming complete democracy. Nepalese Parliament is now scheduled to convene on October 11 to discuss the Maoists’ demands.
With no fresh dates fixed for the elections, India also hoped that the interim Parliament would decide on a date for the elections. “We hope that the special session of the interim Parliament will address all relevant issues democratically, to enable the people of Nepal, who have sacrificed so much, to choose at the earliest their own future and the manner of their governance, through a free and fair election process,” the MEA spokesperson added.
The Maoists quit the government demanding abolition of the monarchy and changes to the election process. They are now demanding that their demands should be met before the elections.
ADVERTISEMENT
India’s ambassador to Nepal Shiv Shankar Mukherjee also flew down to Delhi to appraise headquarters of the latest developments.Only last month foreign secretary Shiv Shankar Menon had visited Kathmandu and met Nepalese Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala. He had also said holding the elections on time was of “critical importance” for Nepal.
The US and the EU also reacted strongly, and said the political parties should quickly fix another date. The US expressed “disappointment” with the decision and said Nepal’s people “have been denied a timely opportunity to elect representatives to decide the framework for the future government.”
The EU asked “the government, the parties, civil society and others to work together in support of the peace process and to honour the agreements and commitments.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Meanwhile, the BJP also expressed concern over the developments in Nepal. BJP leader Rajnath Singh said in a press statement that the “postponement of elections under the threat of street protest by the Maoists is a severe blow in establishing a democratic environment.”The BJP has said any decision about the future of the monarchy should be taken by a duly elected Constituent assembly.
Download
The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
Download
The Economic Times News App for Quarterly Results, Latest News in ITR, Business, Share Market, Live Sensex News & More.
The Economic Times News App for Quarterly Results, Latest News in ITR, Business, Share Market, Live Sensex News & More.
ADVERTISEMENT
