NEPALIS ABROAD DEMAND THE RIGHT TO VOTE
We, the undersigned, representing the Nepali diaspora worldwide, claim our right to vote in the Constituent Assembly elections in June. This will be a crucial moment in our history. The elected assembly will write a new permanent Constitution, as well as decide the fate of the monarchy, define the structure of the government and guarantee the rights of the people, including the Dalits, Madhesis, and indigenous and marginalized people.
Other sponsors: Bhupendra Pant, Society of Ex-Budhanilkantha Students-North America (SEBS) and Dharam Bishwokarma, Nepali-American Society for Oppressed Community (NASO Community)
cc: Mr. Bhoj Raj Pokharel, Chief Electoral Commissioner
All members of the Legislature-Parliament
We, the undersigned, representing the Nepali diaspora worldwide, claim our right to vote in the Constituent Assembly elections in June. This will be a crucial moment in our history. The elected assembly will write a new permanent Constitution, as well as decide the fate of the
monarchy, define the structure of the government and guarantee the rights of the people, including the Dalits, Madhesis, and indigenous and marginalized people. The Constitution will also pave the way for an inclusive and full-fledged democracy. But those of us who reside outside the country are not currently permitted to vote and are not allowed to participate in the Constitution-making process.
This is unfair and unjust. The right to vote is a fundamental right that should be given to all Nepali citizens, regardless of where they live. Many of our members gave generously during the Democracy Movement (Jana Andolan-II), by organizing protests around the world, raising funds for survivors, and lobbying international organizations. We are strongly committed to furthering democracy in Nepal and believe that all Nepalis worldwide need to take ownership of the Constitution.
We demand that the electoral regulations be re-drafted, and ask all Nepalis everywhere to sign this petition, with their name and address, as a matter of urgency. The names of all petitioners will be sent to the government of Nepal and the Election Commission on March 31.
Sincerely,
The Undersigned
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