KATHMANDU, May 4: The Supreme Court on Thursday sought clarification from the government and other concerned stakeholders over their failure to ensure voting rights of Nepali migrant workers as guaranteed by the constitution.
Responding to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) registered by Law and Policy Forum for Social Justice, a single bench of Justice Cholendra Shumsher JBR issued the show cause order. The Office of the Prime Minister, the Election Commission and other concerned ministries including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are asked to ensure the voting rights of Nepali workers living abroad.
The bench has also ordered the concerned bodies to prioritize the issue in the coming days.
Over 4 million Nepali voters are said to be living in 110 different countries. On an average, 1,500 youths leave the country for employment abroad as the job prospect within the country is not so encouraging due to prolonged political instability. Till date, Nepalis living aboard in course of employment, study and business have been deprived from their voting rights.
SC orders govt to ensure migrant workers can vote
