All our efforts are focused on the elections: PM Karki

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Sushila Karki has said that she is working to ensure that elections are held without a single drop of blood being shed and without anyone getting injured.

During a meeting with a delegation from The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) on Thursday, Karki said that the government was committed to holding impartial elections in a peaceful and fear-free environment.

Headquartered in Bangkok, ANFREL is an international network of election observers. A team led by the organisation’s Executive Director, Brizza Rosales, has arrived in Kathmandu to assess Nepal’s electoral environment.

Members of the delegation said they were confident that a government led by someone who has long served as a judge and Chief Justice would ensure free and fair elections.

In response, Prime Minister Karki said that the interest shown by international observers had made her feel that the election process had already begun. “Our main objective is to conduct the election, and all our efforts are focused on that,” she said. “Civil society and observers also have an important role in creating a healthy electoral environment. Your presence gives the impression that the election has already begun.”

Members of the National Election Observation Committee (NEOC) of Nepal were also present on the occasion.

The government is holding elections for the House of Representatives on March 5 next year.