Kathmandu, Nepal: Serious differences have surfaced between the government of Nepal and the European Union (EU) after EU’s Election Observation Mission made‘controversial’ comments over the constitutional provisions regarding the quota system in Nepal.
The Government of Nepal has issued a press statement stating that its serious attention has been is drawn from the EU’s controversial remarks made by European Union’s Election Observation Mission (EUEOM) going against the constitutional provisions adopted by the country.
Making public its final report on the House of Representatives and State Assembly elections, the EU had stated that quota system should exclude groups that are already well-represented. The Report was made hinting to the arrangement made for the Khas/Aarya group to ensure that their representation is also equal to their population.
This is arguably in contravention of international standards on equality, as affirmative action measures are foreseen only as a means to promote equality, the EUEOM had stated in the report submitted to the Election Commission (EC) on Tuesday.
The EUEOM has directly challenged the provision of the Constitution of Nepal which was promulgated in line with the inclusive policy reflective of Nepali social structure by the sovereign decision of its people, the Nepal government has stated in the press release.
Not only the government but also the leaders from different political parties and the civil society have also reacted strongly to the statement made by the EUEOM.
