Kathmandu, Jan 27: The Election Commission has stepped up action against alleged breaches of the Election Code of Conduct, 2082 BS, seeking explanations from political parties, candidates, government officials, and non-government bodies.
According to EC Assistant Spokesperson Sita Pun, eight notices have been issued since the code came into force at midnight on January 18 until January 25. The commission says the notices relate to actions that may have crossed limits set by the code during the ongoing election period.
On January 21, the EC sought explanations from Dr Surendra Bhandari, the Rastriya Prajatantra Party candidate from Kathmandu Constituency No 4, and Koshi Province Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki. Both were asked to respond within three days, but neither has submitted a reply so far.
Bhandari was asked to clarify his actions under Section 4(c) of the code, which bars election activities that insult senior citizens, women, sexual and gender minorities, persons with disabilities, or attack personal character. Chief Minister Karki was questioned under Section 5(A), which applies to conduct by governments and their officials during elections. The code clearly bars state bodies and officials from campaigning for or against any party or candidate.
On January 22, the commission also wrote to Rastriya Swatantra Party candidate Jagdish Kharel, seeking an explanation within three days. Among all those contacted, Kharel is the only one who has submitted a response so far.
The same day, the EC asked the All Nepal Football Association to clarify the timing of its General Assembly, giving the body two days to respond. No reply has been received.
Similar notices were sent to CPN candidate Shakti Bahadur Basnet from Jajarkot, Koshi Province Minister for Industry, Agriculture and Cooperatives Israel Mansuri, and RSP candidate Bishwo Raj Pokharel from Okhaldhunga Constituency No 1. The commission says none of them have submitted explanations yet.
The EC says it will continue monitoring conduct closely and take further steps based on the responses received. People’s News Monitoring Service
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