Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli Stresses the Importance of Upholding Voting Rights at FEMBOSA Conference

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has underscored the vital responsibility of each state to respect and uphold the voting rights of its citizens. Speaking at the inauguration of the 12th Conference of the Forum of Election Management Bodies of South Asia (FEMBOSA) today, he emphasized that elections are the primary means by which the aspirations and mandates of the people are expressed.

“In South Asia, we share many common challenges,” the Prime Minister said. “From ensuring voting rights and addressing diaspora issues to fostering fair competition and coexistence among political parties, our experiences often run parallel. Our leaders have made unparalleled sacrifices for independence and comprehensive democracy, earning the high esteem of our people. However, weaknesses in post-movement management and ineffective service delivery, amidst the high expectations of our citizens, have allowed autocratic and regressive forces to challenge our democracies time and again.”

He highlighted the importance of universal suffrage and the need for free, fair, accountable, and transparent elections where governance reflects the people’s choice. “Ensuring that each citizen has the opportunity to exercise the right to vote, no matter where they are, is essential,” he added. “Our efforts will be directed toward creating an enabling atmosphere for this, working collectively to simplify election procedures for citizens at home and abroad, especially given the challenges posed by migration, climate change, and social media.”

Prime Minister Oli emphasized that climate change is not merely an environmental issue but one that affects every aspect of society, including the ability to ensure that every citizen can exercise their voting rights. He urged election management leaders to confront these challenges and develop strategies that protect the integrity of electoral processes in the face of such adversity.

“Migration presents its own unique challenges,” he continued. “The movement of people across borders and within our countries has profound implications for electoral rolls, voter identification, and the right to vote. In a region where countries serve as both sources and destinations of migration, we share the burden of addressing issues such as managing large numbers of foreign arrivals while also accommodating our citizens abroad. We must explore ways to include our diaspora in the democratic process, ensuring their right to have a voice in the future of their homeland.”

He also addressed the growing influence of social media and artificial intelligence in elections. While acknowledging the unparalleled opportunities these tools provide for voter engagement and participation, he also warned of the risks associated with misinformation, disinformation, fake news, and manipulation that could erode trust in democratic institutions. “As we embrace these technologies, we must do so with caution and a steadfast commitment to upholding the highest standards of transparency and accountability,” he stated.

Prime Minister Oli informed the attendees that the conference would discuss the challenges of climate change, migration, social media, and artificial intelligence concerning election management. He expressed hope that the conference would contribute to advancing the FEMBOSA charter and reinforce collective efforts to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections across the region. “Together, let us ensure that the outcomes of this gathering resonate far beyond these walls, fostering a future where every election truly reflects the will of the people.”

During the opening session, Forum Chairperson Dasho Sonam Topgay, the Chief Election Commissioner of Bhutan, handed over the leadership of the Forum to the Chief Election Commissioner of Nepal, Dinesh Kumar Thapaliya. The two-day event is attended by Chief Election Commissioners and representatives from South Asian nations, including Nepal, India, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. The 11th Conference of FEMBOSA was organized virtually two years ago under the chairmanship of Bhutan.