Kathmandu Set to Host International Conference on Electoral Management

In a bid to foster collaboration and share insights on electoral management, Kathmandu is gearing up to host a two-day international conference from December 6 to 7. The 6th edition of the Asian Electoral Stakeholders Forum, a prestigious gathering of high-level representatives from election management agencies and institutions across Asia and the Pacific region, is jointly organized by the Election Commission of Nepal and the Asian Network for Free Elections.

Heads and representatives of election management bodies from 40 countries in Asia and the Pacific region, along with civil society members and over 200 representatives from non-profit and academic organizations actively involved in various aspects of elections, will converge in Kathmandu for this significant event.

The overarching theme of the conference is ‘Building Sustainable Democracy: Addressing Electoral Challenges and Opportunities.’ The discussions and deliberations will revolve around this crucial theme, aiming to chart a course for the future of electoral processes in the participating nations.

A comprehensive agenda has been outlined, with a total of 21 working papers slated to be presented and discussed during the conference. These papers will cover seven key topics, addressing critical issues related to electoral management, challenges faced, and the opportunities for building resilient democratic processes.

Shaligram Sharma Poudel, the spokesperson of the Election Commission of Nepal, shared insights into the conference’s expected outcomes. The event is anticipated to culminate in the formulation of the ‘Kathmandu Declaration,’ a testament to the collective efforts and shared commitment of the participating nations towards enhancing electoral systems and fostering sustainable democracies.

The Asian Electoral Stakeholders Forum has gained prominence as a platform for the exchange of best practices, experiences, and innovative approaches in electoral management. The collaboration between the Election Commission of Nepal and the Asian Network for Free Elections underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing the evolving landscape of electoral challenges.

As Nepal takes center stage in hosting this prestigious event, the international community looks forward to constructive dialogues, cross-cultural exchanges, and the emergence of strategies that will contribute to the advancement of electoral management practices, ensuring the robustness and sustainability of democratic processes in the region.