Therefore, a nationwide voter education and awareness campaign was conducted by HRCM jointly with Elections Commission, civil society and private and State media. Elections Commission conducted several workshops and trainings, to train the election officials and local NGOs conducted trainings for election observers. HRCM monitored the election and issued its recommendations to the Elections Commission. HRCM and international observers along with domestic observers concluded that presidential election was free and fair. Elections conducted after the ratification of new Constitution in 2008. 206. It is to be noted that both the Parliamentary and Local Council Elections failed to meet the constitutional deadline. The constitutional deadline of Parliamentary election was 15th February 2009. However, it was held on May 9, 2009. The constitutional deadline of Local Council Elections was 1st July 2009. Yet, it was held on 5th February 2011. This was mainly because of the delays in passing the necessary legislations to conduct the elections. For these two elections, Elections Commission conducted training programs for the election officials. A voter education and awareness campaign was also conducted jointly by HRCM, Elections Commission, and Civil Society for the public. HRCM monitored both these elections and issued its recommendations to the Elections Commission. 207. HRCM notes that the Elections Commission implemented many recommendations set forth by HRCM following the pre‐election monitoring exercise conducted by HRCM. However, the recommendations made regarding the persons with disabilities facing challenges in exercising their right to vote, and the elderly and others who required assistance in voting being taken undue advantage of by their assistants need to be fully addressed. Chapter: Article 25, Right to Vote and to Run for Public Office 205. 79