New Delhi, Apr 10 (UNI) India today welcomed the successful conduct of elections to the Constituent Assembly (CA) in Nepal and expressed readiness to stand by its people in the major tasks of ushering in democracy and development.

The External Affairs Ministry said in a statement that the ''happy outcome'' was a product of the determination of the people of Nepal with significant contributions by the political parties and the Election Commission of that country.

''The successful Constituent Assembly elections in Nepal today are a welcome and historic step towards realising the aspirations of the people of Nepal for a democratic future,'' a spokesman of the External Affairs Ministry said.

The spokesman said the CA would provide a platform for the people of Nepal to determine the manner of their governance and their future.

''As always, India will stand by the people of Nepal in the major tasks of democratisation and development that lie ahead while building a stable, prosperous and peaceful Nepal,'' the spokesman added.

People in the troubled Himalayan kingdom voted overwhelmingly for peace and democracy today as an alternative to monarchy.

Elections to the CA were held following peace efforts in 2006 between mainstream political parties and Maoist rebels.

Final results of the elections are not expected soon.

UNI RB SK HS1855