Election is the backbone of democracy: President Paudel

Kathmandu, March 25: President Ramchandra Paudel has said that the mandate expressed by the people through the March 5 election to the House of Representatives had placed a great responsibility on the shoulders of elected representatives.

Speaking at a reception organized by the Election Commission at Bahadur Bhawan today, President Paudel emphasized the need for unity in advancing freedom, social justice, good-governance and national prosperity.

Paudel viewed that the public mandate had obliged elected representatives to work in unison towards the shared vision of nation-building. “In a democracy, opinions may differ but I believe that all Nepalis will share a common goal of nation-building,” he expressed.

On the occasion, the Head of the State appealed with everyone to join efforts in uplifting people’s living standards and achieving prosperity as envisioned by the Federal Democratic Republic.

He noted that the enthusiastic participation of the Nepali citizens in exercising their democratic right to elect their representatives had reaffirmed their unwavering faith in the democratic system. “The mandate expressed by voters by reaching polling centres has helped shape the country’s future,” he remarked.

The Head of the State acknowledged the Commission’s notable efforts in increasing voter turnout, ensuring transparency and frugality, effectively enforcing code of conduct and promoting the concept of green election. According to him, such steps had contributed in making election less expensive, fair, impartial and environmentally friendly.

President Paudel remarked, “It occurs to me that the successful conduct of election has succeeded in earning appreciation and accolades from the international community.”

Terming election as the ‘backbone of democracy’, the President used the occasion to express his gratitude to the government, the Election Commission, civil employees, security personnel for their pivotal role in ensuring that the election was conducted peacefully.
Furthermore, he recognized the crucial roles of all stakeholders and citizens in making the election successful despite the challenging times. —