Prem Prasad Dangal Emphasizes Electoral Commission Reform and Technology Challenges

Kathmandu. CPN (UML) National Assembly Parliamentary Party Leader Prem Prasad Dangal has stated that it is necessary for the Election Commission to be effective in the federal structure and to prevent the misuse of modern technology.

He expressed this view on Wednesday during the parliamentary hearing of proposed Chief Election Commissioner Man Bahadur Karki. Leader Dangal mentioned that since a decision has already been made by the court regarding the complaints filed against the proposed Chief Commissioner, there is no need for further debate on the matter. Praising the work plan and concept presented by Karki, he stated that it balanced aspects of information technology, administrative, and legal reforms. Regarding the proposal to amend the organizational structure of the commission, Leader Dangal expressed the view that it should be strengthened down to the lower levels. He argued that the commission should not be solely focused on updating voter lists and conducting by-elections at the center. Dangal disagreed with the proposed Chief Commissioner's inclusion of a plan to dissolve parties that do not participate in elections after completing the process. He clarified that political parties are established with various objectives, and not all of them aim solely for elections. Leader Dangal said, 'The structure of the Election Commission should be federalized, and arrangements should be made to update the voter list up to the district or local level.' He added that a concrete framework is needed for its restructuring, stating, 'I am not in favor of dissolving parties simply for not participating in elections.' However, he suggested that consideration could be given to parties that do not regularly update their details and do not follow legal procedures. Leader Dangal stated that the misuse of information technology is the biggest challenge in conducting fair elections in the current era. He expressed the view that false information and hate speech spread through artificial intelligence, algorithms, and digital platforms are negatively impacting public trust.