Some Poll Observers Are Biased: Report

Source: http://www.nepalelectionportal.org Some of the members of civil society and election observers are not neutral, a preliminary study report of General Election Observation Committee (GEOC) has said. Releasing its report conducted in 35 districts covering some 20 municipalities and 700 VDCs here on Monday, GEOC said that continued death threats to candidates, abduction and physical assaults have adversely affected the election campaigning in the run-up to the CA election. "Such tendencies should stop immediately. All the candidates and stackholders should feel safe to carry out their election campaigning and enjoy their fundamental rights." Dr Som Prasad Pudasaini, a observer associated with GEOC, said in a press conference organised here on Monday. Stating that the government media and some of the ministers and officials were breaching the election code of conduct, Dr Pudasaini said the Election Commission should take action against those violators. GEOC president Himalay SJB Rana said that though some people are sceptical about the happening of CA polls, the polls would inevitably take place as the national and international community, including India and the US, are very much in favour of the CA polls. Despite poll awareness campaign of the EC and political parties, some voters are still unaware about the mixed election system and Constituent Assembly, the report said. GEOC has urged all to follow the election code of conduct and to maintain law and order situation as implementation of all these procedures are vital for minimising poll-related violence and confrontation. GEOC is scheduled to observe fairness of the Constituent Assembly polls in 35 districts of the country with its some 880 observers.

*********************************** So Observers will observe polls, but who will observe them??