KATHMANDU, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres, on Friday, welcomed the holding of the third phase of the local elections in Nepal which was concluded earlier this week.
In a statement, the UN secretary-general has congratulated the Nepali people for the peaceful conduct of the final round of local polls.
"This marks a crucial step in the transition towards federalism as enshrined in the 2015 Constitution, and will be followed by elections to State Assemblies and the Federal Parliament," UN Secretary-General's Spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said in the statement on behalf of the secretary-general.
The secretary-general also encouraged the government of Nepal and political parties to continue their efforts towards ensuring peaceful and inclusive upcoming elections.
Guterres encouraged all stakeholders to continue the implementation of the Constitution in line with its principles of inclusion and representative governance.
"The United Nations stands ready to support such efforts," the statement added.
Tens of thousands of people took part in the local polls in the final round of local elections held in 136 local units of eight districts of province 2 in the Terai region of Nepal bordering India on Monday.
Earlier first round of such polls were held on May 14 and second round on June 28.
