US Ambassador to Nepal Peter W Bodde has said that the US government will work with the government of Nepal and civil society to encourage participation of women and underrepresented groups in politics.
Ambassador Bodde, who joined Election Commissioner Ila Sharma and other distinguished guests in Kathmandu on Monday for a panel discussion on “Supporting Women´s Representation in All Stages of the Electoral Process,” said that the US will support free, fair, credible and inclusive election in Nepal.
“Nepal is blessed with extraordinary people and resources. For Nepal to reach its potential, the country must have stability and a political system that truly represents Nepal´s diversity,” he said. “Holding free, fair, credible and inclusive elections this November is a crucial first step.”
Ambassador Bodde also urged Nepalis eligible to vote to participate in the upcoming elections. “Exercising the right to vote is one of the most important responsibilities of any individual citizen,” he said.
Democracy and Elections Watch-Nepal and National Democratic Institute organized the event with the support from the US government. Speakers at the panel discussion had focused on increasing the number of strong women candidates and ensuring women vote in the upcoming November 19 elections.
The US government had given over $5.5 million last year to support the cause of democracy and governance in Nepal.
