Nepal leaders must ensure fair polls: Ban Ki-moon

Kathmandu, Apr 8: United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has urged political leaders of Nepal to ensure that the April 10 Constituent Assembly elections are "free, fair and credible," and asked them to set a "historic milestone" in the peace process. In a video message, Ban Ki-moon said that it is his "fervent hope" that the polls in Nepal achieve success.

"They now have a critical responsibility to ensure that voters can freely exercise their democratic right in a secret ballot, without fear of violence, intimidation or manipulation," said the Secretary General, adding, "So much hinges on the success of the election, and the acceptance by all of the will of the people."

He went on to say that the election is "an opportunity not only to reinvigorate democracy, and uphold the centrality of human rights, but also to further cement the peace process in Nepal... This Constituent Assembly election is a historic milestone for the people of Nepal. You have waited long and patiently for this day to come."

Ban Ki-moon also pointed out that the international community is closely monitoring the election process, nepalnews.com reported.

ANI