Media release

11 April 2008

Australia Welcomes Holding of Watershed Elections in Nepal

The Australian Government welcomes the successful holding of Nepal’s Constituent Assembly elections on 10 April. These were the first elections held in Nepal since 1999, and mark a milestone in Nepal’s peace process after a long period of internal conflict. Early reports from international observer groups, including our own observer team led by Mr Mark Butler MP, indicate that the elections took place in a peaceful manner.

The success of these Constituent Assembly elections will provide a solid base for drafting a new constitution and will help to provide political direction to Nepal and an improved atmosphere for economic development.

It is vital that all political parties accept the results of the elections. I urge all parties to exercise the utmost restraint to help ensure a smooth political transition. It is disappointing that there has been some election-related violence, and I send my condolences to the families of those killed. It is in the best interests of Nepal that all parties abide by the decision of the Nepalese people and that any potential disputes over election outcomes should be pursued through legal processes.

I look forward to the full results of the elections and congratulate, in advance, Nepal’s newly elected Constituent Assembly members. While the success of the elections is a crucial step, there is a significant way to go to build lasting political stability. I encourage Nepal’s political leaders towards this goal. Australia will continue to support Nepal in building a stable and vibrant democracy which has wide acceptance.

The Australian election monitoring team to Nepal was led by Mr Mark Butler MP and included Dr Andrew Laming MP and Dr Christopher Drury from the Australian Electoral Commission. Australia also assisted by providing indelible identification ink to identify Nepali citizens who had already voted.

Media inquiries: Mr Smith's office 02 6277 7500 - Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555