Climate change puts voting rights at risk, says Nepal PM Oli

Kathmandu, Sep 4: Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli on Wednesday emphasised that unpredictable weather patterns and natural disasters, exacerbated by climate change, can pose a significant threat to citizens' ability to exercise their right to vote, as he underscored the need for election officials to adapt and ensure the integrity of democratic processes.

"Issues like climate change, migration and the rise of social media and the role of artificial intelligence are crucial for our democracies," Oli said at the inauguration of the 12th conference of the Forum of Election Management Bodies of South Asia (FEMBOSA) here.

"Unpredictable weather patterns and natural disasters due to climate change threaten our ability to ensure that every citizen can exercise their right to vote...Climate change is not only an issue related to the environment, it touches every facet of our society," he said.

"The movement of people across borders and within, and within our countries have profound implications for electoral rolls, voter identification, and the right to vote," Oli pointed out at the two-day conference with the theme, "Emerging trend in elections: Climate change, social media and migration."