Carter Center Statement on the Nepal Elections Delay

CONTACTS:

In Atlanta: Deborah Hakes, +1 404 420 5124, [email protected]

In Kathmandu: Darren Nance, +977 1 444 5055/1446, [email protected]

The Carter Center is disappointed with the announcement of a second postponement of Nepal's constituent assembly election.  The Center hopes that Nepal's political leadership will now use the time ahead of them wisely to reach reasonable compromises on key issues in dispute. The peace process will be under severe stress if the delay is too long, and all sides should as quickly as possible agree on and establish a timeline for implementing key steps and holding an election.  This dialogue should focus on full implementation of previously signed agreements including those reached with historically marginalized groups, as well as how best to address the ongoing serious problems in the Terai region.  While the postponement is likely to cause disappointment among the people of Nepal, the continuation of the peace process should remain the top priority at this time.

The Center is heartened by the continued commitment of Nepal's Seven Party Alliance to maintaining unity and resolving their differences through dialogue.  Additionally, the Center recognizes the commendable work of the Election Commission.  The Commission has built confidence among the Nepali people through its impartial and exemplary preparations for the constituent assembly election. 

At this time, the Center reminds all of Nepal's political parties of their responsibility to fulfill their promise to the people of Nepal to achieve sustainable peace and establish multi-party democracy. 

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"Waging Peace. Fighting Disease. Building Hope."

 The Carter Center celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2007. A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, The Carter Center has helped to improve life for people in more than 70 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; improving mental health care; and teaching farmers in developing nations to increase crop production. The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide. Please visit www.cartercenter.org to learn more about The Carter Center.

Learn more about the Carter Center's work in Nepal >>

3 October 2007: Nepal's Peace Process at Critical Juncture; Carter Center Appeals to all Nepali Political Actors to Work Together for Elections

10 August 2007: Carter Center Urges Nepal to Continue Progress for Nov. 22 Elections >>

16 June 2007: Statement by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter in Nepal >>

12 June 2007:  Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter to Visit Nepal >>

8 June 2007: The Carter Center International Election Observation Mission in Nepal:   Second Pre-Election Statement >> 

16 April 2007:  Pre-Election Statement: Carter Center Election Observation Mission in Nepal >>

9 March 2007:  The Carter Center Deploys Election Observers in Nepal >>