Many deprived of right to vote, says NHRC

The National Human Rights Commission has said that some people were deprived of their voting rights in the recent election as they could not walk the five hours required to cast their ballots

The NHRC, which deployed 27 teams to monitor the first phase of provincial and parliamentary polls held in 32 districts, said polling stations were located very far apart in some places and elderly citizens, persons with disabilities and pregnant women, who could not trek long distances to reach their polling stations, were deprived of their voting rights.

The NHRC urged the government to make adequate arrangements to enable voters to cast their votes more easily in the next round of elections. It also urged improvements in the dissemination of voter education.

The NHRC reported explosions in some districts – including in Rolpa, Rukum, Bajhang, Bhojpur, Nuwakot and Gorkha – however, there were no casualties. It also said that explosive materials were found at polling centres in Taplejung, Dhading, Baglung and Darchula.

Some people were injured when clashes broke out between rival parties in Bajura, Dolakha, Jajarkot, Okhaldhunga and Sindhupalchowk. The NHRC said security personnel fired shots in the air to control the situation in Dolakha, Bajura and Sindhupalchowk.

The rights body also noted that polling was postponed at Bafikot Rural Municipality (A) polling station and Gattasaina polling Station of Athbiskot Municipality-5.

Date: 27 November 2017

Source: Himalayan Times