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Barry Lowenkron, US Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labour, on Saturday urged the ruling eight-party coalition in Nepal to amend the interim Constitution so as to make way for the deferment of Constituent Assembly elections.
Kathmandu, June 2 : Barry Lowenkron, US Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labour, on Saturday urged the ruling eight-party coalition in Nepal to amend the interim Constitution so as to make way for the deferment of Constituent Assembly elections.
Lowenkron asked the parties to pass the Bills related to the Constituent Assembly elections immediately and improve the law and order situation in the country.
He said necessary arrangements must be put in place for free and fair polls.
Addressing a press conference at the American Center in Kathmandu prior to his departure back home, Lowenkron said that polls and guns cannot go together in a democratic process.
"There can be no role of fear, violence and intimidation in a democratic process. The use of violence as a political tool will be unacceptable," he said.
Lowenkron also expressed concerns over the Maoists not abiding by the commitments they made while signing peace agreement with the Nepal Government. The Maoist-related violence still continues in the country even after they have joined the Government.
He also expressed his country's commitment to continue assistance to Nepal.
Lowenkron during his four-day visit to Nepal met Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, Speaker Subash Nembang, Foreign Minister Sahana Pradhan and Chief Election Commissioner Bhoj Raj Pokhrel.
The interim Constitution, which allowed for polls by mid-June, will have to be amended so as to allow elections by November.
On Thursday, the ruling allies agreed to hold Constituent Assembly elections by the end of November instead of mid-June.
The Election Commission had deferred the Constituent Assembly polls expressing its inability to hold the polls due to lack of preparation time.
The Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) was dissatisfied with the alliance's decision and wrote a note of dissent.
They argue that the King will try to disrupt the polls, as the elected Constituent Assembly is to decide the fate of the monarchy.
The Maoist leadership has, however, promised to cooperate in holding the polls.
ANI
