Kathmandu, March 9: A high-level election observer mission from Japan, led by SHIMADA Tomoaki, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, visited Nepal from March 4 to 5 to observe the third election of Nepal’s House of Representatives held on March 5.
During the visit, Shimada inspected the voting process at seven polling stations and a counting center in Kathmandu. He observed the voting and counting procedures and received briefings from election officials, while also exchanging views on the management and operation of polling and counting stations.
On March 4, Shimada paid a courtesy call on Ramchandra Paudel, President of Nepal. At the meeting, Shimada expressed gratitude for President Paudel’s recent visit to Japan in February, saying the visit helped further strengthen the friendly relations between the two countries. He said Japan attaches importance to Nepal’s stable democratic development and therefore decided to dispatch an election observer mission led by him. He also expressed hope that the election would be conducted in a peaceful manner.
Referring to the development projects implemented by Japan in Nepal, Shimada reiterated Japan’s commitment to supporting Nepal’s efforts to consolidate democracy and continue cooperation for the country’s development. He also requested the President’s support in celebrating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Nepal this year.
President Paudel responded that his visit to Japan was productive, highlighting his audience with Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan and his meeting with Sanae Takaichi, Prime Minister of Japan. He said Japan remains an important development partner for Nepal and expressed gratitude for Japan’s longstanding assistance. Paudel also said Nepal looks forward to participating in various events marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
On the same day, Shimada also held a meeting with Ram Prasad Bhandari, Acting Chief Commissioner of the Election Commission of Nepal. During the meeting, Shimada emphasized Japan’s continued support for Nepal’s democratic process and its expectation that the election would be conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner.
Bhandari expressed appreciation for Japan’s decision to send a high-level election observer mission and thanked Japan for its support in Nepal’s electoral process. He also briefed the visiting delegation on the latest preparations for the election. #nepal #japan #election
