EU mission launched in Nepal ahead of key polls

The European Union election observation mission was launched in Kathmandu yesterday for the parliamentary and provincial elections of Nepal slated for November 26 and December 7 respectively.The mission was formally launched by Chief Observer Zeljana Zovko, who is a member of the European Parliament from Croatia. The European Union was invited to deploy the mission to observe the elections.The mission will comprise more than 100 observers including experts on political, electoral and legal issues.“The elections mark an important stage in Nepal’s democratic development, and I hope that our presence will contribute to an inclusive and transparent electoral process,” Zeljana Zovko said at a conference yesterday.Over the last two days, Zovko held rounds of meetings with the Election Commission of Nepal, government officials, as well as representatives of various political parties.During its observation and assessment, the mission will oversee legal framework and its implementation, work of election administration, campaign activities, conduct of media, role of state institutions and civil society, voting, counting and tabulation among others.Zovko further informed that 38 long-term observers have already been deployed across the country to observe electoral preparations and campaign.According to the mission, EU observers adhere to a strict code of conduct for international election observers that require they maintain strict neutrality and impartiality in the course of their work and do not interfere in the electoral process.The EU mission will publish a preliminary statement right after the second and final phase of election and a comprehensive final report including recommendations for future elections. The mission will remain in Nepal until the completion of the electoral process.