The development partners of Nepal, with a view to consolidating democracy and institutionalizing republic through constitution, have generously offered physical and economic support for elections.[break]
The northern neighbour China sending off Deputy Prime Minister level State Councilor Yang Jiechi to Nepal at top political level, not only expressed solidarity to CA polls but instantly announced monetary support to the tune of Rs 15.41 billion for the procurement of materials required for elections.
Believing that the development and prosperity of Nepal is in the interest of China, the new leadership that took over the Government last April, liberally assisted for the CA polls which would eventually ensure and open up avenues for socio-economic development of Nepal.
The concerned officials of both the countries signed the bilateral agreement relating to cooperation to the CA elections in the presence of Chairman of the Interim Election Council of Ministers and visiting State Councilor Yang.
Likewise, the southern neighbour India too felt the need to cooperate with Nepal in her endeavor of holding free and fair elections and facilitate Election Commission and security agencies of Nepal, acceded to provide adequate vehicles for the same.
Coinciding with Chinese State Councilor´s visit that concluded just two weeks before, Indian Minister for External Affairs, Salman Khursid paid an official visit to Nepal and not only reiterated unity to the Nepal Government´s decision to hold elections, accentuated on indispensability of the polls for the speedy economic prosperity and sustainability of democracy.
He also conveyed providing every possible support from the people and Government of India. During his sojourn, Indian side agreed to assist Nepal and both parties reached a deal to provide Rs 800 million worth 764 different types of vehicles, which will be supplied for the use of Election Commission and security-related agencies.
Both, China and India have been stating that they could proffer additional support to CA elections, provided that the Government of Nepal requests succinctly what sort of assistance Nepal expects.
Japan, one of the largest development partners of Nepal has already agreed to provide a grant assistance of Rs 142 million to the Government for the purchase of products and services to be used in the upcoming CA Election.
Agreement to this effect has been signed by the competent officials of both nations. Terming CA elections as a ´backbone´ to democracy, Western nations as well have been pledging strong support and extending every possible back up.
The United States of America has also communicated willingness to assist CA polls at par with China and India, and has been supporting Nepal´s elections with five programmes implemented through six partners.
The US has not declared any new projects since similar programmes relating to elections are ongoing. These programmes are funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). So far, the US has pumped in Rs 5.61 billion, according to current exchange rate for these projects.
According to a detailed information furnished to RSS by the US Embassy here pertaining to CA election, the five programmes namely ´Monitoring of Nepal´s Peace Process and Constitution Drafting Project, Strengthening Political Parties, Electoral and Legislative Processes Project, Nepal Peace Trust Fund Project, Nepal Peace Support Project and Sajhedari Project.
The US has provided Rs. 260 million through co- work with Carter Centre including for training of 10,000 manpower for election observation. The USA has provided Rs. 2.39 billion for the five year project for political party consolidation and election.
The US has also provided Rs. 150 million in the Nepal Peace Trust Fund under the Ministry of Peace and the EC will get the largest amount from this fund.
The fund will provide Rs 9.41 billion for security and Rs. 3. 41 billion for election. The US has provided Rs. 410 million for the Nepal Peace Cooperation Project through Asia Foundation.
The US has provided Rs. 2.5 billion for the Sajhedari Project with co work of Home Ministry for voters list updating and distribution of citizenships.
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