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Nepal
2008: On the Way to Democracy and Peace
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Carter
Center's Contributions - Archive
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Calls
on Nepal's Government and All Parties to Focus on April 10 Elections
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KATHMANDU,
17 February 2008, Carter Center
The
Carter Center has heard from Nepalis nationwide that they want peace, prosperity,
and a representative, transparent, and accountable government. Nepal's
political leaders need to respond to these expectations by holding a credible
election for the constituent assembly on April 10, 2008.
Nepalis
are concerned by the ongoing problems in the Terai, the poor security environment
around the country, and recent election-related violence and threats. The
responsibility to address these challenges quickly and effectively falls
directly on the government.
The
Carter Center is encouraged by ongoing talks with Madhesi leaders and hopes
that this indicates the government's renewed commitment to addressing the
challenges the country is facing as it prepares for the April 10 election.
"The
government must convince Madhesis and other marginalized groups that it
is ready to treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve," said
former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. "At the same time, Madhesis should
recognize that the constituent assembly election offers them unprecedented
access to political power. With less than two months before the election,
I encourage all sides to seek compromise in the best interest of Nepal."
The
Carter Center also notes with concern the reports of threats and violence
related to election campaigning.
"All
parties, no matter what they stand for, should be allowed to campaign freely
everywhere in Nepal," said Carter Center Field Office Director Darren Nance.
"This is a basic principle of democracy and all of Nepal's political parties
should publicly and repeatedly express their commitment to uphold it."
In
its fifth pre-election statement, availabe below, The Carter Center shares
its observations and recommendations about the ongoing electoral process
in Nepal, based on more than a year of continuous international election
observation by long-term observers and headquarters staff.
 Resolve
the immediate concerns of Madhesis and other marginalized groups
Improve
the security environment in the Terai and around the country
Mobilize
party machinery for peaceful campaigning
Ensure
freedom of movement for all, regardless of ethnicity or political ideology
Continue
election preparations with a focus on logistics and security
Instill
confidence that winning candidates from the proportional representation
party lists will be selected in a transparent and responsible manner
Intensify
effective civic and voter education
Maintain
an impartial, well-trained, and coordinated domestic observation effort |
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The
Carter Center has helped to improvelife for people inmore than 65 countries by presolving
conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity;
preventing diseases; improving mental health care; and teaching farmers
indeveloping nations to increase crop production. The Carter Center was
founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn,
in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide.
Source:Carter
Center February2008
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