Restructure local bodies by mid-Jan: EC

Kathmandu, August 29

The Election Commission today reinforced its statement that it wanted restructuring of local bodies and election-related laws at least four months ahead of the election date.

“Holding discussion with members of the Local Bodies’ Restructuring Commission at the office of EC yesterday, Chief Election Commissioner Ayodhi Prasad Yadav said the report of the restructuring commission should be implemented and election laws should be brought at least four months before the election date,” Spokesperson for the EC Surya Prasad Sharma stated today.

As the government has announced to hold the local polls by mid-April, the restructuring of local bodies and framing of election laws should be accomplished by mid-January to address the EC’s concern.

Yadav said early restructuring of the local bodies was imperative to ensure free and fair civic polls. “Once the commission gives its report, it will be easier for the EC to prepare for polls,” Yadav added.

The Parliament is yet to pass new laws related to elections at all three levels – local bodies, provinces and the Parliament – as per the provision of the new constitution.

In response, Chairman of Local Bodies’ Restructuring Commission Balananda Paudel and members of the commission had reported to the EC that they were working to forge consensus among political parties on disputed issues related to restructuring, stated the EC statement.

They also expressed commitment that the restructuring commission would work in a way to support the EC.