Kathmandu, Apr 9: Diplomatic missions in Nepal have called for a free and fair election on Thursday.

In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, diplomatic missions of fifteen nations and the European Commission said: "We, as friends of Nepal, look forward to Thursday's Constituent Assembly elections. This is a historic opportunity for the Nepali people to consolidate the peace process and to create a more democratic, inclusive future for their country."

They urged all parties to remain patient and to abide by established mechanisms for a dispute settlement during the period between Election Day and the final announcement of the results and formation of the Constituent Assembly.

“We look to them to cooperate with the Interim Government and with one another to ensure a smooth transition to the new legislature and government,” they said.

Foreign missions also expressed deep concern over reports of election-related violence and intimidation in different parts of the country.

They expressed a desire to support these elections politically, diplomatically, financially, and through the deployment of impartial international observers.

"It is essential that all international and domestic observers are able to do their job in safety, without obstruction or interference," the statement said.

The United Kingdom, United States, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Israel, Japan, Republic of Korea, the Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Switzerland and the European Commission issued the appeal. (ANI)