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Towards More Inclusive Elections: Interventions in South Asian Region”

The Chief Election Commissioner of Bhutan, Dasho Kunzang Wangdi and Mr. K.D Tshering, Chief Administrative Officerattended the Seminar on “Towards More Inclusive Elections: Interventions in South Asian Region” on 21st of January, 2013 in New Delhi, India.

The Seminar on Towards More Inclusive Elections: Interventions in South Asian Region was organized by the Election Commission of India for the Forum of Election Management Bodies of South Asia. Bhutan presented a paper titled “Inclusivity and Democratic Elections in the Kingdom of Bhutan.”

Members were fascinated to know more about how the Bhutanese initiatives in introducing common forum and democracy clubs. It was proposed that a paper will be presented as a feedback on these when Bhutan host the Forum after the second parliamentary elections.

Bhutan will be hosting the Forum of Election Management Bodies of South Asia this autumn.

 

A review session was held during the Seminar on the workings of the Forum of Election Management Bodies South Asia had adopted a resolution to:

  1. Rename the Forum of Heads of Election Management Bodies of SAARC Countries as Forum of Election Management Bodies of South Asia; and
  2. Amend the Charter adopted on 1st May, 2012, will start amended accordingly. The previous name has been replaced by the new name wherever it figures in the Resolution, Charter and all other relevant documents.
  3. Bhutan will be hosting the Forum of Election Management Bodies of South Asia this year in autumn.

The Election Commission of India the current Chair was requested to develop a work plan and website for the Forum and finalize a logo to be presented during its meeting in Bhutan.

The delegates were invited to participate in the celebrations of the Foundation Day of Election Commission of India andIndia’s Third National Voters Day on 25thof January, 2013.

Delegates also attended the celebration of 3rd National Voters day at VigyanBhawan, New Delhi where the District Election officers were given the awards/prizes for their performances of the year 2012.Special awards were also given to Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and West Bengal for the best State Electoral Practices. Therewas also a National Media Award where the Zee News was recognized for outstanding campaign on voter awareness, AmarUjalafor the sustained campaign on voter education and awareness during general elections to state legislative assemblies in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Punjabby Vice President of India, Shri.M Hamid Ansari.

In his Statement of Dr. Ashwani Kumar, the Union Minister of Law & Justice the guest of honour mentioned that a Law Commission was appointed to amend laws which will focus also on the electoral reforms with particular attention to prevent criminalisation of politics and elections.

Media Unit

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