Peace, security a precondition for elections: Deuba

KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba has said that the environment conducive for holding the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5 in a free, fair, and fear-free manner has not yet been created.

Addressing a meeting of the party’s Central Working Committee on Tuesday, Deuba expressed concern that one of the key preconditions for elections, peace and security, has not been ensured. “The morale of the security agencies has fallen,” he said. “It is the government’s responsibility to normalize the security situation and guarantee that the elections are conducted peacefully, impartially and without fear, so that everyone can participate willingly.”

Deuba also said that the upcoming election is essential to bring the country back onto the constitutional path. “The government has failed to create an environment for meaningful dialogue with the political parties that are regarded as the pillars of a multiparty democratic system,” he said.

He urged the NC to hold discussions with other political parties to deliberate on future plans.