Chief Election Commissioner Dinesh Kumar Thapaliya has called for better voter education to help more people take part in elections. He shared his views on the 9th Election Day, which is celebrated every year in Nepal on Falgun 7. This day honors Nepal’s first general election, held in 1955.
The Importance of Voter Education
Thapaliya emphasized the need for wider voter education efforts. By educating voters about their rights and responsibilities, more people will get involved in the electoral process. He believes this will strengthen Nepal’s democracy. Thapaliya pointed out that it is crucial for citizens to fully understand how elections work and how they can participate effectively.
In his statement, Thapaliya also discussed the need for more flexibility in the voting process. He suggested allowing voters to cast their ballots at any polling station in the country, rather than being restricted to a station in their area. This change would make voting more accessible and ensure that everyone can vote, no matter where they are on Election Day.
Addressing the Costs of Elections
Thapaliya did not shy away from criticizing certain political parties and candidates. He mentioned that they have exaggerated the costs of their election campaigns. According to him, the actual cost of running elections is relatively low. He urged political actors to avoid misleading the public with inflated campaign expenses. Thapaliya believes this misinformation could undermine public trust in the election process.
Ensuring the Integrity of the Election Process
Thapaliya also spoke about concerns regarding the state machinery used to manage elections. He emphasized that the body responsible for overseeing the election must be active as soon as the election date is announced. This is essential for ensuring that elections are fair, transparent, and efficient. Thapaliya stressed that the success of the election depends largely on voter awareness. Citizens need to understand their role in the election process and how they can make their voices heard.
The Challenges of Modern Technology
In his statement, Thapaliya acknowledged the challenges posed by modern technology. He highlighted the impact of social media and artificial intelligence (AI) in elections. These technologies have made it easier for misinformation to spread, which can affect voter behavior. Thapaliya believes the Election Commission must tackle these challenges to preserve the fairness of elections.
The Role of the Election Commission
Bharat Mani Subedi, Secretary of the Election Commission, also spoke during the press event. He praised the Commission for maintaining integrity and fairness throughout the electoral process. However, he called for a review of current election management procedures. Subedi believes that such a review will help improve the process and make future elections even more effective.
Election Day and Its Significance
The 9th Election Day marks an important occasion in Nepal. Thapaliya’s call for better voter education is timely and important. He wants to encourage greater public involvement in the electoral process, which will make Nepal’s elections more inclusive and transparent. The Election Commission aims to ensure that all citizens, especially those in remote areas, can vote and understand how elections work.
The slogan for this year’s Election Day was “Effectiveness of Election: Participation of General Citizens in the Election Process.” This highlights the need to get more people involved in voting. The Election Commission hopes that by raising awareness and making voting easier, more citizens will feel encouraged to participate.
Looking to the Future of Nepal’s Elections
While voter turnout has improved in recent years, there is still much work to be done. The Election Commission is working to enhance voter education and make the voting process more accessible to all citizens. Thapaliya’s message was clear: the more informed and involved people are, the better the election process will be.
As Nepal continues to grow, the country’s electoral system must evolve. Thapaliya’s emphasis on voter education and the importance of addressing modern challenges will help create a stronger democracy. Nepal’s Election Commission is committed to making sure the electoral process is fair, transparent, and effective. By improving voter education and participation, Nepal will build a more democratic and resilient society.
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