Kathmandu, July 20
Minister for Labour and Employment Farmullah Mansoor says Nepali migrant workers residing in various foreign nations should be allowed to register their names in the voters’ list and cast votes.
He, however, says a consensus among political parties is a must to make legal provisions in this regard.
Speaking at a function organised in Kathmandu today, the Nepali Congress leader said around four million migrant workers should not be deprived of their voting right.
“We need a provision to provide Nepalis working in the countries with which we have labour contracts with their voting rights,” Mansoor said, “It may take time. But we need it.”
On the occasion, former Chief Election Commissioner Nilakantha Uprety suggested that the government begin implementing such provision from the countries with more migrant workers. He, however, maintained that such system would be very costly.
Nevertheless, the provision could be implemented in Malaysia and major Gulf nations where thousands of Nepalis live, he advised.
Lawmaker Pemba Lama said migrant workers should not be deprived of their basic right as they have been contributing one third of the gross domestic product.
Bibeksheel Nepali leader Ashish Rai said his party would continue lobbying for ensuring migrant workers’ voting rights.
