VOA常速英语2013--历史性选举为尼泊尔带来机会（在线收听）

历史性选举为尼泊尔带来机会

U.S. Ambassador to Nepal Peter Bodde congratulated Nepal's Interim Election Council of Ministers for setting a date for elections.

美国驻尼泊尔大使彼得·博德祝贺尼泊尔临时选举部长理事会安排选举的日期。

In a commentary addressed to the people of Nepal,

在一次对尼泊尔人民的发言中,

Ambassador Bodde said, “Whatever your opinion about the accommodations made to reach this point, setting a concrete date for elections is reason enough for celebration.

大使博德说道:“不管你们有何意见现在都集中于这一点上, 为选举安排一个具体的日期就有足够的理由庆祝了。

At the same time, we should not be complacent.

而同时我们不应自满。

Free, fair, transparent and inclusive elections-our shared goal-require much more than just a date.

自由、公平、透明及包容的选举才是我们共同的目标,我们需要的不仅仅是一个日期。

Many preparations are already underway, but a lot of hard work needs to be done between now and November 19.”

许多准备工作已在进行当中,但从现在到11月19日还有很多艰苦的工作。”

The U.S. is committed to helping Nepal at this historic moment.

在这一历史性时刻是美国致力于帮助尼泊尔。

Over the past year, the U.S. government has spent approximately $5.5 million U.S. to support Nepal's democratic institutions and help lay the groundwork for free, fair, and credible elections.

在过去的一年中,美国政府已经花费大约550万美元支持尼泊尔的民主机构,帮助打造自由、公平及可信的选举。

The most visible signs of this are the three printing presses that are now ready to print ballots as a result of U.S. assistance provided through the International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES).

其中最明显当属这三台美国通过国际基金会选举系统(IFES)提供援助现在准备打印选票的印刷机。

Through IFES and other partners, including the National Democratic Institute, The Asia Foundation, and The Carter Center,

通过IFES及包括全国民主协会,亚洲基金会，卡特中心等的其他合作伙伴,

the United States continues to support voter registration and education, provide technical assistance to Nepal's Election Commission, and encourage Nepal's political parties to be more responsive to their constituencies.

美国继续支持选民登记及教育,为尼泊尔的选举委员会提供技术援助,并鼓励尼泊尔各政党更能顺应他们的选区。

And as a donor to the Ministry of Peace and Reconstruction-managed Nepal Peace Trust Fund, the U.S. has joined the Government of Nepal to provide support to polling stations and monitoring operations, mobile citizenship-voter registration teams, and election security.

而作为尼泊尔和平信托基金和平与重建管理部门的捐助者,美国加入了尼泊尔政府为投票站提供支持，监控操作,负责选民登记团队及选举安全。

As November 19 approaches, the United States will also work closely with the Election Commission and our international and local partners to help train election personnel and organize voter observation missions.

随着11月19日的临近,美国也将密切与选举委员会协作，而我们的国际及当地合作伙伴帮助培训选举工作人员及组织选民观察任务。

And on election day itself, the United States will support monitoring and evaluation efforts to ensure the polls are free and fair.

而在选举当天,美国将支持监测和评估以确保民意调查的自由和公平。

“To be clear,” said Ambassador Bodde, “the U.S. does not choose sides, and we do not pick winners.

"显然,”大使博德说道:“美国不会选择支持哪方,而且我们不会挑选赢家。

Our focus is on the strength and viability of the electoral process itself.

我们的重点是集中于选举过程的力量和活力本身。

These are Nepal's elections, and, ultimately, it is up to the people of this country to ensure that the polls take place on time and credibly represent the will of the Nepali people.

这些是尼泊尔自己的选举,最终,它取决于这个国家的人民,以确保民意调查准时开始及可信地代表尼泊尔人民的意愿。

The foundation is simple-integrity, civility, and, above all, a commitment to non-violence.”

该基金会是简单—正直,礼数，尤其是非暴力的承诺。”