Election monitoring group concerned about violence ahead of polls

Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) has expressed concerns about election related violence and intimidations, both in the Terai by armed groups, and by party cadres across the country.

In a briefing to media persons before deploying its 20 long term observers across the country, mission coordinator Ichal Supriadi said on Thursday that ANFREL strongly condemns these violent acts, whether it is against Election Commission staffs, candidates or party supporters.

However, the ANFREL, which plans to deploy the largest number of international observers during the constituent assembly polls, said it was pleased to see active campaigning by candidates and preparations being rapidly made.

Executive director of the organisation Somsri Hananuntasuk said election laws in Nepal are best in Asia and during their stay in Nepal for observation, ANFREL observers only see the polls go smooth but also learn to make laws polls friendly.

"Nepal is now in turn of new phase - new polity and new structure," she added.

A total of 20 ANFREL long term observers will be deployed in five regions from Friday and additional 80 are expected to join the team a week before the polls. The observers are from Pakistan, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Burma, India, Thailand, Philippines and Sri Lanka.

Established in 1997, ANFREL has undertaken over 30 election observation missions across Asia in more than 15 countries over the past 10 years.

Other international observation missions accredited by the Election Commission include Carter Center, Forum Asia, European Union and Universal Human Rights Network. Additionally, United Nations Mission in Nepal, special invitees of the government and other UN agencies will also observe the polls. EC expects over 500 international observers. nepalnews.com ia Mar 13 08