Electioneering for the Constituent Assembly election,which was marred by large scale violence and indifference towards the polls the second in five years came to an end,72 hours before elections,on Saturday evening,with a predicted low turnout and hung house likely to push the country into chaotic politics yet again. Meanwhile,the international community,led by UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon,expressed concern and hoped for a fair poll,and former US President Jimmy Carter arrived to assume the role of key international observer. Carter had certified the last elections as reasonably free and fair much before the polls had closed. This time,74,000 observers will keep an eye on the polls. Official statistics show around three million voters a fourth of them youths are away from the country in search of better opportunities. Back home,the 33-party alliance,led by the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoists,was criticised by the Chief Election Commissioner for boycotting the polls. Even animals spare animals,but these people are targeting fellow human beings and obstructing their right to vote, the commissioner said. In the fray this time are more than 122 parties and independents contesting for 240 constituencies,and with a sizeable population of illiterate voters,it may take citizens a while to find their favourite symbol. The EC also failed to ensure everyone receives a voter ID card. Those who are unable to get the ECs ID card will be allowed to cast their votes with any government recognised ID card, the EC said. I was appalled by the cumbersome procedure to collect cards, Roshan Pokharel,a lawyer,said. Still,there were occasions when the electorate felt powerful. Hisila Yami,a former minister,held her ears and did sit-ups in front of us when she was asked to explain her corrupt conduct and poor performance last time, Nikesh Rajesh Maharjan,a resident of her constituency in Kathmandu,said. Meanwhile,Maoist chief and frontrunner for the Prime Ministers post Pushpa Kamal Dahal dropped a political bomb when he said: With the birth of the new CA,the tenure of the President and the Vice-President will be over and they will be replaced by the new set immediately. Yubaraj Ghimire
