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Kathmandu, Feb 1:  The Election Commission said it has started monitoring individuals who spread false and misleading information and hate speech in violation of the election code of conduct. It is also preparing to bring those involved in illegal activities under the law in coordination with regulatory bodies.

Assistant spokesperson Kul Bahadur GC said the Information Integrity Promotion Unit under the Election Information Communication and Coordination Centre is working on this. He said the unit has identified 302 harmful information cases and sent them to concerned bodies for action under the Election Code of Conduct 2026, the Electronic Transactions Act 2006, and the Press Council Act 1991.

The code of conduct has been approved and enforced to hold the House of Representatives elections scheduled for March 5, 2026, in a clean, fair, transparent, and credible manner. The code came into effect from 12:00 midnight on January 14. Concerned bodies are receiving complaints and information about violations and seeking clarification from political parties, candidates, individuals, institutions, and officials accused of violations.

The commission thanked government agencies, political parties, candidates, voters, and media workers for their efforts to follow the code. Based on complaints received by the Central Code of Conduct Monitoring Committee as per Clause 26 of the code, the commission has sought 21 clarifications from political parties, candidates, and institutions from the time the code came into effect until January 28. It said replies to eight have been received, and follow-up is ongoing for the rest.

To ensure financial transparency in elections and enforce the code, the commission has written to Nepal Rastra Bank to require political parties and candidates to open separate bank accounts for election expenses. The central bank has already issued a circular to banks and financial institutions.

To make monitoring effective at the district level, the commission has assigned assistant chief district officers to handle non-financial matters and chief treasury controllers or treasury controllers to handle financial matters as code of conduct monitoring officers in all 77 districts, as per relevant laws and provisions.

If any activity raises questions about the dignity and cleanliness of the election, complaints can be filed in writing, verbally, or through electronic means at the Election Commission, the Office of the Chief Election Officer, the Office of the Election Officer, provincial or district election offices, or with district code of conduct monitoring officers.

People’s News Monitoring Service