China hands over election material to Nepal

The Chinese embassy in Kathmandu here Sunday handed over poll-related material provided by the government of China to Nepal's Election Commission.

The Chinese government provided $1.63 million worth of election-related material for the Himalayan nation's Nov 19 Constituent Assembly elections, reports Xinhua.

The material, including ballot papers, had arrived in Kathmandu Sep 27 on a special chartered plane.

China's Ambassador to Nepal Wu Chuntai and Election Commission Secretary Narendra Dahal signed a memorandum of understanding to this effect at a small function at the Election Commission.

Speaking at the function, Wu said Nepal and China were good friends, good neighbours and good partners.

"We are friends in need and friends indeed... China wishes to see a prosperous Nepal and I assure you we will continue assisting Nepal," Wu said.

"Nepal is now embarking on a very important political process. We sincerely hope that Nepal will conduct a smooth election," he added.

Chief Election Commissioner Nilkantha Upreti said the logistics received from China indicates that China supports Nepal's democratic process.

"This is support from the people of China to the people of Nepal. We are confident we will conduct the elections smoothly," he added.