Nepal will vote with help from EC

Away from media glare, the Election Commission of India is doing its part to help Nepal8217;s troubled democracy find a firm footing...

Away from media glare, the Election Commission of India is doing its part to help Nepal8217;s troubled democracy find a firm footing, with a senior EC official already in Kathmandu holding first round of talks to pave way for free and fair elections there in June next year.

Confirming that the Commission is in talks with its counterpart in Nepal and the government there, Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswami said: 8220;The talks are still in a preliminary stage. We would certainly help them in any way they want. They are expected to indicate the nature and extent of support that they would need.8221;

The Ministry of External Affairs asked the EC to send a representative to Kathmandu for the first round of talks and Deputy Commissioner R Balakrishnan is there for the purpose.

While the extent and details of the logistical support needed by Nepal for the polls is being worked out, an EC source said, the Indian Government is also ready to extend financial and other support. 8220;This is to ensure a smooth transition that would help Nepal evolve a sustainable democracy,8217;8217; the source said.

The seven-party Nepalese government, headed by Prime Minister G P Koirala, and Maoist rebels signed a landmark peace deal last month, ending a decade of strife that killed nearly 13,000. As part of the pact, Nepal will elect a Constituent Assembly next June to draw up a new Constitution which in turn would decide the fate of the King.

The Maoists, led by Prachanda, want monarchy abolished.

Through the Election Commission of India would also supply Nepal with electronic voting machines, a proven tool worldwide now to ensure rigging-free, paperless voting. The EC plans to train Nepal8217;s polling personnel, too, and the dates for that are being worked out, the source said.

The funds for both the machines and training would be provided by the Indian Government, he said. Besides, India would share its experience with holding elections in difficult situations and the methods it uses to clean up electoral rolls.

Story continues below this ad

EC officials have earlier been involved in elections in Afghanistan, and even in the last Presidential elections in the US as trainers and observers.