The United States has recognised the first phase of local level elections conducted in Provinces 3, 4 and 6 on May 14 saying that the election appears to have been ‘largely peaceful and broadly supported’.

In a press statement issued by Kathmandu-based US Embassy on Tuesday, the United States has urged all the stakeholders to create a conducive environment for conducting second phase of local polls in Provinces 1, 2, 5 and 7.

“The United States strongly encourages the Government of Nepal to permit unrestricted international election observation during second phase of local elections, in order to enable the international community, including accredited diplomats, to observe and offer support to the outcomes of the election,” read the statement.

The statement encourages continued efforts to forge a political agreement that enables broadest participation of voters in the phase two elections. “This will increase the credibility of the electoral process and strengthen democratic transition across the country,” read the statement.

The US has also urged security forces to exercise restraint and comply with the existing national and international standards when carrying out their duties.