By Our Reporter Japan has appreciated and extended sincere respects to the people of Nepal who contributed to the successful holding of local elections after a break of 20 years. This election on 18 September followed the first and second phases of local elections which were held in May and June this year. "This is a significant progress towards the implementation of the Constitution that was promulgated in 2015", the Japanese Embassy has stated in a statement. "Japan sent an election observation team consisting of members from the Embassy of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)." "The provincial and federal assembly elections are scheduled respectively on 26 November and 7 December. Japan expects that these elections will also be conducted in a peaceful and fair manner through the experiences gained from the local elections. Japan has actively supported the implementation of elections, which are the base of the development of democratization in Nepal, through the Nepal Election Commission, including the 1st and 2nd Constituent Assembly elections. Japan is committed to supporting the Government of Nepal to the best possible extent."