Nepali King Directs EC To Hold Democratic Elections
Dr. Bikash Thapa
His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, in a message to the nation on the occasion of Nepali Dashami today, said
that meaningful multiparty democracy was possible only by reenergising representative institutions through free and fair
elections.
“Therefore, to honour the collective wisdom of all enfranchised Nepalese, everyone with faith in multiparty democracy
must contribute to its consolidation by participating in the forthcoming municipal elections,” His Majesty the King said
in the message.
His Majesty said that His Majesty had commanded the Election Commission to conduct elections to the House of
Representatives within the year 2063 BS by further strengthening the favourable environment created with the holding of
the municipal elections. In the message, His Majesty also called on the international community to actively assist in
ensuring that the electoral process is dignified, free, and fair.
Saying the door to joining the political mainstream was open to all, giving due consideration to the nation’s
requirements and the people’s aspiration as well as their responsibility towards the legacy of history, His Majesty said
there should now be no delay on the part of those who have been misguided in discarding violence and dedicating
themselves to the welfare of the nation and people by engaging in competitive democratic politics.
His Majesty the King also said in order to safeguard the very essence of our national existence, there can always be a
dignified basis for overcoming differences through mutual understanding. Reiterating what His Majesty the King has been
saying time and again that patriotism can be the only focal point for Nepalese, who are proud of their glorious history
as an ever-independent nation and their ability to resolve by themselves mutual differences and difficulties facing the
nation.
In the message, His Majesty the King extended best wishes to all Nepalese and Hindus, living within the country or
abroad, for happiness, peace and prosperity and said the festival inspires us to continuously strive towards attaining
peace, justice and dignity, reminding us that truth always triumphs.
The full text of the message is as follows:
Beloved Countrymen,
On the auspicious occasion of the festival of Bada Dashain, we extend our best wishes to all Nepalese and Hindus, living
within the country or abroad, for happiness, peace and prosperity. This festival inspires us to continuously strive
towards attaining peace, justice and dignity, reminding us that truth always triumphs.
Patriotism can be the only focal point for Nepalese, who are proud of their glorious history as an ever-independent
nation and their ability to resolve by themselves mutual differences and difficulties facing the nation. In fact, this
is also the distinctive characteristic of us Nepalese. Guided by this, we must ensure that the country tides over the
current difficult phase so that the dignity of the nation so assiduously safeguarded by our forefathers inspires
generations to come.
During the past eight months, there has been a decline in terrorist activities due to the dedicated efforts of our
dutiful security personnel and the cooperation of our determined, patriotic countrymen. As a result, the people have now
begun to feel more secure. Yet, in keeping with the people’s aspirations as well as the nation’s need, all of us must
remain ever alert and active in safeguarding the nation and democracy against terrorism. Meaningful multiparty democracy
is possible only by reenergising representative institutions through free and fair elections. Therefore, to honour the
collective wisdom of all enfranchised Nepalese, everyone with faith in multiparty democracy must contribute to its
consolidation by participating in the forthcoming municipal elections.
We have commanded the Election Commission to conduct elections to the House of Representatives within the year 2063 B.S.
by further strengthening the favourable environment created with the holding of the municipal elections. We also call on
the international community, which believes in democracy to actively assist in ensuring that the electoral process is
dignified, free, and fair. There should now be no delay on the part of those who have been misguided in discarding
violence and dedicating themselves to the welfare of the nation and people by engaging in competitive democratic
politics.
In order to safeguard the very essence of our national existence, there can always be a dignified basis for overcoming
differences through mutual understanding. Therefore, we would like to make it clear that the door to joining the
political mainstream is open to all, giving due consideration to the nation’s requirements and the people’s aspiration
as well as their responsibility towards the legacy of history.
To ensure a happy and prosperous future for the Nepalese people with the establishment of sustainable peace in the
greater interest of our Motherland, may Goddess Nava Durga Bhawani inspire all patriotic Nepalese to work in unison to
initiate a new era in our history.
ENDS