NGO Federation of Nepal (NFN) engaged and mobilized in the Local Level election held on 13 May 2022. As the periodic elections are an integral part of democratic practices, NFN has always taken the opportunity to contribute to making elections fair and peaceful. National Level Discussion for Free and Fair Election The discussion on the concerns of civil society with political parties in free and fair elections was conducted on 01 April 2022 at Hotel Himalaya, Kathmandu. Chief Election Commissioner, other representatives from Election Commission, representatives from different political parties, NGO/ INGO representatives, Journalists and other concerned stakeholders attended the program. This discussion program clarified the role of political parties and CSOs for free and fair elections. Central Level Orientation Meeting When the preparations for the election were underway, NFN organized a one-day orientation meeting to the CSO leaders in Kathmandu.They were provided with necessary orientation by NFN in coordination with the Election Commission and Nepal Election Observation Committee (NEOC). Province Level Discussions NFN later organized the province level meeting to discuss the importance of the periodic election, adult franchise, and the role of civil society and civil society organizations (CSOs) in the Local Level election. Such meetings were organized in six provinces except Gandaki in coordination with other CSOs and election offices at the concerned province/district levels. Orientation to the Election Observers NFN organized the orientation to the 103 election observers on 09 May 2022 virtually. Observers were excited to conduct the election observation in the assigned polling stations. They were oriented about the election observers code of conduct. Election Observation NFN mobilized the election observers in the Local Level election held on 13 May 2022. Across the country and covering all the seven provinces, NFN mobilized 103 election observers who observed at least one 103 polling centers as they were assigned. The election observers observed and monitored election procedures from pre-election to the post-election. According to the observers, polling was mostly found peaceful and smooth. There was an active participation of women voters in the polling centers.However, a few clashes were reported by the observers on the day of election. Weak security arrangements were observed at the polling stations. Violent activities have been reported in several places across the nation during the election. There were security challenges to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections. Inadequate voter education was observed causing an increased number of invalid ballot papers. NFN is preparing a detailed report of the election observation and the conclusion and findings will be shared later.
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