China officially hands over election materials to Nepal

The Chinese Embassy officially handed over poll-related materials provided by the government of China to Nepal's Election Commission on Sunday.

The Chinese government provided 1.63 million-U.S.-dollar worth election materials for the country's Nov. 19 constituent assembly elections.

The materials, including ballot papers and office materials, arrived in Kathmandu on Sept. 27 on a special chartered plane.

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Wu Chuntai and Election Commission Secretary Narendra Dahal signed the Memorandum of Understanding to this effect amidst a small function at the Election Commission.

Speaking at the function, Wu said that Nepal and China are good friends, good neighbors 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. Nepal is now embarking on a very important political process. We sincerely hope that Nepal will conduct a smooth election," Wu said.

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

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