Kathmandu, Apr 12 (ANI): The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) on Saturday described the Constituent Assembly elections in Nepal as successful and credible.
In a post-election preliminary report published in Kathmandu, ANFREL said a strong turnout in the post-conflict environment and enormous enthusiasm for the election shows the will of the people of Nepal for a more inclusive and democratic government.
"The optimism of the moment should be tempered both with sadness for those who have lost their lives in election related violence and caution as difficult challenges lay ahead," said ANFREL's Chief of Mission Gen Saiyud Kerdphol.
"In the immediate term, the grievances of political parties must be thoroughly investigated and repelling conducted where necessary. We commend the election commission for already announcing that repelling will take place where egregious violations have been committed," executive director of ANFREL Somsri Hananutasuk said.
ANFREL has also praised women for their overwhelming participation in the electioneering.
After winning his seat in the Constituent Assembly, Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist chief Prachanda on Saturday said that he wants to continue working with other political parties and the international community.
"We will work together with not only the seven parties but also the new parties that will be established through this election and the old parties in existence in the forthcoming constitution making process," nepalnews.com quoted him, as saying.
"All eyes are upon us. This is a positive challenge for us. I want to clarify that the path of cooperation that we adopted since 12-point agreement will continue," he said.
"For the international community and especially our neighbours India and China, I want to say that our party wants good relations with all of them and is willing to work together on development cooperation and peace process," he added.
Prachanda went on to say that their commitment on multi party democracy has been expressed through the election as well.
"I have taken this victory as the people's mandate to us to consolidate lasting peace. We will remain honest to that mandate," he said.
Meanwhile, criticising the Bush Administration's policy not to engage in parleys with the Maoists in Nepal, former US President Jimmy Carter on Saturday said that if Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist (CPN-M) does well in the Constituent Assembly, the US must recognise it.
He also said that the outcome of the elections would "truly represent the aspirations of the people".
"The Carter Centre found that the majority of Nepali voters participated in a remarkable and relatively peaceful constituent assembly election on April 10, 2008. Preliminary reports indicate that the administration of this election was well executed, bearing testimony to the hard work of election officials and the determination of Nepal's people to ensure that their country continues on the path to sustainable peace and democracy," the former US President said reading out from a statement issued by the centre.
Carter further said that for Nepal it is essential "to remain calm, to await final results, and where there are disputes, to follow appropriate legal procedures."
He added that his centre would continue to observe the district counting and national tabulation until they are complete.
"We encourage all Nepalis to remain actively involved in the drafting of the constitution to ensure that the process is transparent, accountable and inclusive," nepalnews.com quoted Carter, as saying. (ANI)
