Ministry of Foreign Affairs in its strong worded statement criticized the report presented by European Union’s Election Observation Mission (EUEOM) to Nepal following election observations.

“Serious attention of the Government of Nepal has been drawn towards the conclusions and recommendations of the ‘Final Report on the House of Representatives and Provincial Assembly Elections’ released by the European Union’s Election Observation Mission (EUEOM) to Nepal,” said a press release issued by Ministry.

“Some of the recommendations and comments of the Report not only undermine the successful holding of smooth, peaceful and impartial elections but also go against the scope and norms of international election observation. This violates the Election Code of Conduct for International Observers of the Election Commission of Nepal as well as the provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Government of Nepal and the European Union before the elections.”

According to a press release, these recommendations and comments are a direct challenge to the provisions of the Constitution of Nepal which was promulgated, in line with the inclusive policy reflective of Nepali social structure, by the sovereign decision of Nepali people. It is unfortunate that the report has made unwarranted comments about political issues that have already been settled. The Government of Nepal calls upon all the concerned to refrain from making such uncalled-for comments.

“The Government of Nepal strongly believes that historic elections of House of Representatives and the Provincial Assemblies, which saw high turnout of voters, were the reflection of Nepali people’s long cherished aspirations for democracy, progress and stability. The elections were a milestone in terms of the implementation of the Constitution as well as the conclusion of Nepal’s peace process,” reads statement issued by Ministry.

It is reported in local media, however, that the EUEM presented the report the Election Commission before making public. EUEM has already made it clear that there is unlikely to amend their opinion.