Lawmakers demand fear-free polls, question staff dismissals & budget halt

KATHMANDU: Members of Nepal’s National Assembly on Friday called on the government to ensure that the upcoming elections are conducted in a free, fair, and fraud-free environment, while also raising concerns over administrative decisions and the suspension of development budgets.

Sharada Devi Bhatta Calls for Clean and Peaceful Polls

National Assembly member Sharada Devi Bhatta urged the government to guarantee a fear-free and impartial electoral process, with only 20 days remaining before the elections.

Speaking at the National Assembly meeting, Bhatta stressed that maintaining the sanctity and integrity of the election is the government’s primary responsibility. She emphasized that no atmosphere of fear, intimidation, or insecurity should be allowed to influence the electoral process.

Addressing the government through the Chair, she said the elections must be conducted in accordance with ethical standards and with restraint. “With only 20 days left before the country heads to the polls, I urge the Government of Nepal to ensure that the elections are held in a fear-free, intimidation-free, impartial, and fraud-free manner, adhering to ethical principles,” she stated, wishing success to the current administration.

Bhatt underscored that the strength of democracy rests on the fairness of elections and called on state mechanisms to remain active and vigilant to prevent irregularities. She also urged the Election Commission and security agencies to carry out their responsibilities with heightened alertness and integrity.

Gopal Prasad Bhattarai Objects to Staff Dismissals

National Assembly member Gopal Prasad Bhattarai drew the government’s attention to what he described as the prejudiced dismissal of 16 contract employees from the Social Welfare Council under the Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens.

He said that selecting only 16 employees out of 59 contract staff for dismissal was unjust. If the government’s policy is to terminate contract employees, he argued, it should apply equally to all.

Bhattarai claimed that the dismissed employees were removed based on unsubstantiated allegations, warning that such actions could create discrimination within the administrative system.

He further questioned whether the decision, taken on the eve of elections, complies with the election code of conduct and administrative discipline.

Durga Gurung Questions Electoral Fairness and Budget Suspension

National Assembly member Durga Gurung also raised concerns about the fairness and peaceful environment of the upcoming elections.

Addressing the Assembly, Gurung said the election atmosphere remains less than enthusiastic, with public suspicions about possible irregularities still persisting. She urged the government to ensure that all voters can exercise their right to vote in a fear-free environment.

Referring to certain political parties boycotting the elections, she appealed for a climate where differing views can be expressed without intimidation.

Gurung also expressed concern over rumors regarding the fragmentation of the country’s eastern region, urging all stakeholders to remain vigilant to safeguard national unity and territorial integrity.

In addition, she objected to the current government’s decision to halt budgets and programs introduced by the previous administration, arguing that such actions could hinder development efforts.