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Nepal: UN chief welcomes holding of local elections as ‘crucial step’ for upcoming polls

Just Earth News | @justearthnews | 22 Sep 2017

Nepal: UN chief welcomes holding of local elections as ‘crucial step’ for upcoming polls

UN News/Vibhu Mishra

New York, Sept 22(Just Earth News): United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has welcomed the holding of the third phase of the local elections in Nepal earlier this week and congratulated the people of the South Asian nation for the peaceful conduct of the polls.

“This marks a crucial step in the transition towards federalism as enshrined in the 2015 Constitution, and will be followed by elections to State Assemblies and the Federal Parliament,” noted a statement issued by the Secretary-General’s Spokesman, Stéphane Dujarric.

“The Secretary-General encourages the Government of Nepal and political parties to continue their efforts towards ensuring peaceful and inclusive upcoming elections.”

Guterres also encouraged all stakeholders to continue the implementation of the Constitution in line with its principles of inclusion and representative governance.

“The United Nations stands ready to support such efforts.”