Local Level Elections: Call for Observation

The Election Commission (EC) has called on the national organizations to submit an application to observe the local elections on April 12.

The commission has issued a 15-day public notice with effect from today for applications from national organizations and individuals who have experience, expertise, efficiency and prestige in the field of election. The act of observing the method and process of election by a third party in an election is called election observation.

The organization wishing to observe the election should submit the application along with the organization registration certificate and a copy of the audit report. The list of office bearers of the working committee of the organization, proof of the experience of supervision and copy of the booklet and guide prepared by the organization have also been asked to be submitted. However, the Commission has the right to decide whether or not to allow any organization to observe.

The person or organization wishing to observe the election must complete the prescribed procedure and obtain permission. There is an international practice of observing elections to ensure that they are free and fair. Election observation helps to increase the legitimacy of elections and the credibility of election management bodies.

In order to make the election clean and fair, it is customary to observe the election to ensure that the prescribed procedures and criteria are followed and to make the election process transparent and acceptable. The Commission has stated that the election observation will help in promoting coordination and participation with the main stakeholders as well as contribute to the growth of the credibility of the election and expansion of relations.

Organizations and individuals who have obtained observation permission must submit a preliminary report within 15 days of the election and a final report to the Commission within 30 days of the end of the work. The commission has stated that there is a legal provision to revoke the permission of the observer without following the prescribed procedure and code of conduct.