Growing cases of poll-related violence in the backdrop of the local elections has exposed lapses in the ‘integrated polls security plan’ of the Ministry of Home Affairs. While the existing security arrangements have so far proved successful to contain the activities of the poll-opposing forces, it has failed to take into account other dimensions of the polls security including security of poll candidates and election campaigners.
According to the Election Commission, more than two dozen cases of poll-related violence have been reported in three provinces in the last one week. On Wednesday, a deadly clash between supporters of CPN-UML and CPN (Maoist Center) had left one UML supporter dead and scores injured. Similar clashes have been reported in other places including Pokhara, Chitwan, Rukum, Nuwakot and other districts.
In the wake of the growing poll-related violence, all parties including Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and CPN (Maoist Center) have drawn the attention of the Election Commission. UML Secretary Yogesh Bhattarai said that the party has been frequently drawing the attention of the Election Commission.
Full Article: My Republica – Leaders concerned over ‘security lapses’.
