美國駐尼泊爾大使彼得·博多祝賀尼泊爾臨時選舉部長理事會安排選舉的日期。
在一次對尼泊爾人民的發言中,
大使博多說道:“不管你們有何意見現在都集中於這一點上, 為選舉安排一個具體的日期就有足夠的理由慶祝了。
而同時我們不應自滿。
自由、公平、透明及包容的選舉才是我們共同的目標,我們需要的不僅僅是一個日期。
許多準備工作已在進行當中,但從現在到11月19日還有很多艱苦的工作。”
在這一歷史性時刻是美國致力於幫助尼泊爾。
在過去的一年中,美國政府已經花費大約550萬美元支持尼泊爾的民主機構,幫助打造自由、公平及可信的選舉。
其中最明顯當屬這三台美國通過國際基金會選舉系統(IFES)提供援助現在準備列印選票的印刷機。
通過IFES及包括全國民主協會,亞洲基金會,卡特中心等的其他合作夥伴,
美國繼續支持選民登記及教育,為尼泊爾的選舉委員會提供技術援助,並鼓勵尼泊爾各政黨更能順應他們的選區。
而作為尼泊爾和平信託基金和平與重建管理部門的捐助者,美國加入了尼泊爾政府為投票站提供支持,監控操作,負責選民登記團隊及選舉安全。
隨著11月19日的臨近,美國也將密切與選舉委員會協作,而我們的國際及當地合作夥伴説明培訓選舉工作人員及組織選民觀察任務。
而在選舉當天,美國將支持監測和評估以確保民意調查的自由和公平。
"顯然,”大使博多說道:“美國不會選擇支持哪方,而且我們不會挑選贏家。
我們的重點是集中於選舉過程的力量和活力本身。
這些是尼泊爾自己的選舉,最終,它取決於這個國家的人民,以確保民意調查準時開始及可信地代表尼泊爾人民的意願。
該基金會是簡單—正直,禮數,尤其是非暴力的承諾。”
U.S. Ambassador to Nepal Peter Bodde congratulated Nepal's Interim Election Council of Ministers for setting a date for elections.
In a commentary addressed to the people of Nepal,
Ambassador Bodde said, “Whatever your opinion about the accommodations made to reach this point, setting a concrete date for elections is reason enough for celebration.
At the same time, we should not be complacent.
Free, fair, transparent and inclusive elections-our shared goal-require much more than just a date.
Many preparations are already underway, but a lot of hard work needs to be done between now and November 19.”
The U.S. is committed to helping Nepal at this historic moment.
Over the past year, the U.S. government has spent approximately $5.5 million U.S. to support Nepal's democratic institutions and help lay the groundwork for free, fair, and credible elections.
The most visible signs of this are the three printing presses that are now ready to print ballots as a result of U.S. assistance provided through the International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES).
Through IFES and other partners, including the National Democratic Institute, The Asia Foundation, and The Carter Center,
the United States continues to support voter registration and education, provide technical assistance to Nepal's Election Commission, and encourage Nepal's political parties to be more responsive to their constituencies.
And as a donor to the Ministry of Peace and Reconstruction-managed Nepal Peace Trust Fund, the U.S. has joined the Government of Nepal to provide support to polling stations and monitoring operations, mobile citizenship-voter registration teams, and election security.
As November 19 approaches, the United States will also work closely with the Election Commission and our international and local partners to help train election personnel and organize voter observation missions.
And on election day itself, the United States will support monitoring and evaluation efforts to ensure the polls are free and fair.
“To be clear,” said Ambassador Bodde, “the U.S. does not choose sides, and we do not pick winners.
Our focus is on the strength and viability of the electoral process itself.
These are Nepal's elections, and, ultimately, it is up to the people of this country to ensure that the polls take place on time and credibly represent the will of the Nepali people.
The foundation is simple-integrity, civility, and, above all, a commitment to non-violence.”