On his visit to the far-west state to observe the damage caused by floods and landslides, PM Deuba mentioned that the MCC was subject to Nepal’s interest.

“The MCC will be endorsed. And I don’t see anything that needs amendment. Fake news and disinformation about MCC have been widespread,” said PM Deuba.

He said that the MCC was nothing more than a grand, claiming that some are trying to create chaos around the MCC endorsement.

The MCC Nepal compact is just a development grant, he said adding, “Why should Nepal reject such generous support?”.

Meanwhile, PM Deuba promised to provide short-term and long-term relief packages for flood victims and draft reconstruction plans in the eastern and western regions.

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Interestingly, these 22 UML lawmakers included eight leaders close to former PM KP Sharm Oli.

Here is the list of UML leaders who voted in favor of PM Deuba:

22 UML Leaders Voted in Favor of PM Deuba

The post 22 UML Leaders Vote in Favor of PM Deuba, The Oli-led Party Demands Clarification! appeared first on Nepali Sansar.

“We urge everyone to respect the freedoms of peaceful expression and assembly, and individual voters’ rights as laid out in Nepal’s laws and constitution,” read a statement by the US Embassy in Kathmandu.

In its release, the US Diplomatic Mission to Nepal raised concerns and condemned the recent attacks on political candidates contesting in the upcoming elections.

The Embassy informed that US is committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure an inclusive, peaceful and credible election process.

PM Deuba Calls for Tight Security

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister of Nepal Sher Bahadur Deuba directed the security officials to ensure full security to the public in the light of the upcoming general elections.

“The constitution has been promulgated after a long struggle. Election is must for constitution implementation. People should get peaceful environment to cast their votes. Do not leave any stone unturned in security system to save the people’s voting rights,” said Deuba in his address at a security seminar for the upcoming elections in Kathmandu today.

Meanwhile, Home Secretary Mohan Krishna Sapkota said, “Security challenges in elections have already been identified. Problems will be resolved after moving ahead with the effective security plans.”

On the occasion, security chiefs of all districts briefed about their strategies and also highlighted security conditions, challenges and measures to be implemented to ensure safe electoral process.

Special Observation Missions on the Other Side

Meanwhile, the European Union and the renowned NGO Carter Center have already launched their international Election Observation Missions (EBO) for the Nepal’s upcoming provincial and parliamentary elections.

“Every election has their own challenges and the authorities that are preparing the elections have been facing lots of challenges and Nepal is not exempted from that. Especially considering the fact that the local elections were held recently in September, I don’t see any problem in the government’s efforts,” says Zeljana Zovko, Chief Observer of the EU Election Observation Mission.

The EU mission is making an estimated spending of EUR 3.5 million for the process and has deployed around 38 Long Term Observers (LTOs) across different parts of Nepal to monitor the ongoing preparations and related logistic issues.

Whereas, Carter Center has deployed 14 LTOs and a core team of five experts led by Field Office Director Carlos Valenzuela. Altogether, Carter Center’s team has observers representing 13 countries.

“The Carter Center has a long history in Nepal and we are honored to be present for the first national-level elections since the adoption of the constitution. We trust the elections will be peaceful and will help consolidate Nepal’s democracy,” says Mary Ann Peters, CEO of Carter Center and the Ambassador (ret.).

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Nepal started witnessing major political shifts ahead of the country’s most-awaited provincial and federal elections scheduled for November 26, 2017 and December 7, 2017.

In a major move, the leftist and democratic parties started forming broader alliances bringing in a sudden shift in the Nepali political landscape.

While the two leftist parties CPN-UML and CPN (Maoist Centre) and Babu Ram Bhattarai-led Naya Shakti Party-Nepal announced a broader alliance yesterday, immediately a day after, the ruling Nepali Congress (NC) today decided to form another alliance of democratic forces.

In a meeting convened by Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and the NC President, NC decided to form a seven-member team as a stronger democratic alliance.

“The parties have reached a consensus on forming an electoral alliance among the democratic and federal forces,” said NC leader Bimalendra Nidhi.

Democratic Vs Leftist

This move by the ruling party is coming after the NC Working Committee concluded the formation of democratic alliance as the only alternative to counter the leftist forces. 

The leftist alliance has also formed a six-point agreement to form a drafting committee to prepare the policy and finish the merger post the elections. 

“Nepali people have aspired for this unity and this unity is the need of the country. We have begun a journey of unification,” said Oli while informing that the new alliance is aiming for two-thirds majority in the upcoming polls.

Meanwhile, in a statement, PM Deuba informed that the government is committed to holding elections as scheduled despite the threats being posed by the left alliance.

The top leaders hailed the ongoing mergers and hoped the new political shifts would could unify other leftist and democratic forces to advocate for a country’s development.

Entrepreneurs Welcome Mergers

Entrepreneurs of the Chitwan region welcomed the merger of leftist parties to form a leftist alliance and called for the alliance of rightist parties.

They hoped such alliances would pave the way for stable government in the country.

 “The recent agreement among the three parties to forge electoral alliance for the upcoming provincial and parliamentary elections would definitely pave the way for a stable government. However, vested interests should not act to bring splits,” says Rajan Gautam, Chair, Chitwan chapter of Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

We can attract investments in the industrial sector if there is a majority government, he adds.

Meanwhile, Chair of Ratnanagar chapter of Chambers of Commerce and Industry Rajaram Regmi said the unification has opened opportunities for the entrepreneurs who were tired of offering political donations. “I hope this alliance helps create investment-friendly atmosphere,” Regmi added.

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Nepal and Oman yesterday discussed bilateral cooperation in various sectors as part of the Nepali Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba’s visit to the latter country.

As part of his four-day to Oman, PM Deuba held a meeting with Omani Deputy PM Sayyid Fahad bin Mahmood Al-Said at the Royal Palace in the Omani capital Muscat yesterday.

As part of the discussion, PM Deuba sought Oman’s assistance for the development of tourism, health, agriculture and hydropower sectors of Nepal.

“We are on the verge of ending the transitional phase. Nepal will soon become a perfect destination for foreign investors and we hope Oman will invest in Nepal,” said PM Deuba.

In response, Omani Deputy PM informed that Oman will open a consulate in Nepal owing to Nepal’s significant strategic importance.

According to the Nepali Ambassador to Oman Sharmila Parajuli Dhakal, Oman Deputy PM expressed willingness to strengthen ties with Nepal by opening its embassy in the latter country.

“Nepali migrant workers in Oman have made a good impression. Oman will open a consulate in Nepal as it carries a significant strategic importance,” said Oman Deputy PM.

Omani Deputy PM also said that Nepali people would be in their utmost priority owing to Oman’s requirement of more human capital for development.

Creation of employment for Nepalese in Oman and mechanisms to protect their interest were among other issues discussed, informed Ambassador Dhakal.

Around 15,000 Nepalese are currently in Oman, mostly engaged in the hotel sector and domestic services.

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Nepal is receiving a wide appreciation for the successful completion of its landmark local-level elections.

The Government of Nepal considered the local body polls as a prestigious matter and had also claimed that ‘holding of local-level elections on time’ as its major achievement in first 100 days of its functioning.

Not just Nepal, its friendly countries are also of hope that the recently-held local-level polls would open avenues for new style of government functioning in the country.

UN Secretary-General Lauds Nepal

The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guteress congratulated Nepal on successful completion of its three-tier local polls held recently.

The UN official was speaking on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly currently currently being held in New York, wherein, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba is representing Nepal.

In a high-level meeting with PM Deuba, Antonio Guteress also appreciated Nepal on latest developments and its ongoing process of institutionalizing democracy, informed Deuba’s Foreign Affairs Advisor Dinesh Bhattarai.

Local Elections Held Peacefully, Says Japan

In a recent update, Japan congratulated Nepal hailing the way the elections were organized.

“Japan appreciates that, overall, the local elections were conducted in a peaceful and fair manner,” said the Embassy of Japan in a statement, citing the observations made by a special Japanese team including the Embassy of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on Nepali local polls.

“Japan would like to pay its sincere respects to the people of Nepal who contributed to the successful holding of local elections after a break of 20 years,” the Embassy further added, “This is a significant progress towards the implementation of the constitution that was promulgated in 2015.”

Extending Japan’s support to the Himalayan nation, the Embassy further informed, “Japan is committed to supporting the government of Nepal to the best possible extent.”

A Significant Milestone for Nepal: US

In his greetings to the 2^nd Nepali Constitution Day yesterday, the United States President Donald Trump hailed Nepal for successful holding of local body polls.

“Most importantly, you have held the first local elections in 20 years – a significant milestone for your democratic government,” said Donald Trump.

“Nepal has achieved important progress,” he added.

Indian Prime Minister also hailed Nepal saying, “As a close friend and neighbour, India remains steadfast in its support to the people and Government of Nepal in their national efforts to achieve peace, stability and development.”

Local Governance Act Endorsed

Meanwhile, following the local polls in Province 2, the Legislature Parliament of Nepal yesterday endorsed the Local Level Governance Act for the full-fledged functioning of local bodies elected through earlier phases.

Since the time they were formed, the local bodies of Provinces 1,3,4,5,6 and 7 have limited their operations only to administrative works due to lack of relevant Act.

“The newly-elected bodies can now function effectively after the Act comes into effect,” said the Minister for Land Reform Gopal Dahit while presenting the bill for endorsement.

The new bill, yet to be signed by the President, allows the local governments to change their names and operating centers (if required), change the status and boundaries of the wards, besides granting them executive, legislative and judicial rights.

CPN-UML Leading the Way

According to the latest update, CPN-UML is leading the overall local polls race with 276 seats and 18 majority, followed by Nepali Congress (226 seats). Whereas, the case is exactly reverse in Province-2 as Nepali Congress is leading with 35 seats majority, followed by Others (22) and CPI-UML (18).

The local elections, planned in three phases, ended yesterday with a record voter turnout in the third phase polls (compared to earlier phases) in Province 2. The first and second phases of local elections were held on May 14 and June 28.

Now, the country is eagerly waiting for its provincial and federal elections scheduled for November 26, 2017, and December 7, 2017, respectively.

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Securing Nepal’s seat in the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) is high on Nepali Prime Minister’s agenda during his upcoming visit to New York for the UN General Assembly (UNGA).

Be it announcing candidacy or further extending the tenure of Nepal’s Permanent Representative and Ambassador to UN Durga Prasad Bhattarai, the Government of Nepal has been making consistent efforts to win UNHRC membership.

Speaking in this regard, a senior Foreign Ministry official said, “This is our major diplomatic agenda for this year. PM will seek support from the member states in all bilateral meetings and engagements.”

Reiterating their commitment towards securing Nepal’s candidature, other Nepali officials also said, “The country’s delegates will make a pitch that Nepal believes fair opportunity for all interested states to serve in the UN Human Rights Council and would contribute to the common goals of promotion and protection of human rights everywhere.”

Nepal will also be seeking support regarding its bid for UNHRC for the 2018-20 term.

Apart from PM, other senior Nepali officials including Deputy Prime Minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara will also be taking part in various high-level meetings in New York.

Mahara is set to leave for New York on September 17, 2017, wherein, he will be heading the Foreign Ministerial level meeting of the South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Council of Ministers and also participate in a meeting of the Asian Cooperation Dialogue that Nepal entered in 2006.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to leave Kathmandu on September 19, 2017, and will be addressing UNGA on September 23, 2017.

Ministerial-level meetings of Landlocked Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Non-aligned Movement, G-77, South-South Cooperation, UN Peacekeeping Operations are among key meetings Nepal will be participating in on the sidelines of UNGA. The country is also expected to sign the Treaty on Prohibiting Nuclear Weapons.

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Various women entrepreneurs and experts from different parts of the world gathered in Kathmandu to take part in the International Business Women’s Summit organized by the South Asia Women Development Forum (SAWDF).

The two-day summit, inaugurated by the Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba yesterday, saw about 80 women entrepreneurs and policy makers from around 18 countries including the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) nations.

In his inaugural address, Deuba said, “A woman’s becoming economically capable and self-dependent means her entire family is moving towards prosperity. The society and the country itself progress if a family is prosperous. So, it is necessary to invest in women entrepreneurship in this region.”

He also informed about the Government of Nepal’s efforts towards creating a cooperative environment for investment and drawing women into the small and medium enterprises. “We are committed to increasing women’s participation in entrepreneurship too,” he said.

Pramila Acharya Rijal, President of SAWDF said that the main idea behind the event is to create awareness about entrepreneurship among women. “Prospects in tourism, information technology, agriculture and textiles will be explored during the two-day event,” she added.

Pramila expressed hope that this summit would offer a unique opportunity for organizing business meetings with members of the visiting international business delegations from SAARC and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASAN) regions.

SAARC Secretary-General, Amjad Hussain B. Sial pitched on the need for encouraging women to pursue career in the business field for a better socio-economic life.

Renowned Nepali Industrialist Binod Chaudhary said, “Nepali women are far ahead in political sphere, but their participation in industry and business is comparatively less. So, they must be encouraged to join business.”

A Sri Lankan Professor Maithree Wickramasinghe termed backwardness, poverty and lack of education as the major challenges to the South Asian women.

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Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba yesterday created a new record in the history of Nepali politics by forming a largest cabinet of 54 ministers.

With the sixth expansion in the last three months, Deuba’s cabinet strength increased to 54 as the Prime Minister inducted three more ministers and a Minister of State.

However, Deuba is facing criticism for his decision of record cabinet expansion.

“Expansion of the cabinet is a clear violation of the code of conduct and it will also raise question of impartiality of the government as elections to the local level are just one week away,” said Nepali Election Commission in its official release, yesterday.

In contrast to EC’s statement, Deuba today said that the cabinet will likely be expanded further. “Despite the size, many are still vying for ministerial berths. Cabinet may be expanded further if needed,” he added.

In response to the criticism, he clarified that the recent expansion will not be withdrawn. Stating that the cabinet expansion was necessary, Deuba affirmed that the government has not violated any election code. He also informed that the government took EC’s approval before implementing the decision.

With regard to constitutional amendment, Deuba said the possibilities of amendments increased after elections.

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The Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba today emphasized on the need for establishment of an international level science research laboratory in Nepal.

Lauding the efforts of human resources (produced in Nepal) in international laboratories, Deuba said the government would strive to establish one such laboratory in the country.

“Whatever the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) is doing with resources and personnel at its disposal are satisfactory. But, we have a long way to go in this regard,” Deuba said in his address at the 40^th Academic Assembly of NAST in Kathmandu, today.

Deuba, who is also the Chancellor of NAST, further called on NAST to play a key role in Nepal’s holistic development through improvements in science and technology.

PM also stressed on the need for development of medicines through a research on medicinal herbs that are available in the country.

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