Overseas Nepalis unlikely to vote in upcoming election: Minister Pun
According to him, the lack of political will and decisive action continues to block progress on the issue.
KATHMANDU: Minister for Education, Science and Technology Mahabir Pun has said that Nepali citizens living abroad are unlikely to be able to vote in the upcoming election, expressing clear disappointment over the outcome of high-level political discussions.
Speaking to journalists on Monday after an all-party meeting convened by Prime Minister Sushila Karki on election preparations, Minister Pun said the discussion failed to produce any meaningful results, particularly on the long-debated issue of voting rights for overseas Nepalis.
Despite the Prime Minister holding consultations with political party leaders, the Election Commission, and heads of security agencies, Pun concluded that the meeting was largely unproductive.
Venting his frustration with a mix of sarcasm and anger, he remarked, “Nepali advice often ends up like a lump of ashes. Today’s consultation turned out the same way.”
Pun indicated that although there were lengthy discussions between the government and concerned stakeholders, no concrete agreement or clear roadmap emerged to ensure voting rights for Nepalis living abroad.
According to him, the lack of political will and decisive action continues to block progress on the issue.
He further suggested that overseas Nepalis may now have to take matters into their own hands. “There is no situation where Nepalis abroad can vote. Now, whatever campaigns are needed to secure this right, you will have to lead them yourselves,” Pun said.
