KATHMANDU: The Election Commission (EC) has drafted a proposed Code of Conduct for the upcoming election of members of the House of Representatives, scheduled for March 5, 2026. The proposal includes strict provisions regulating the use of vehicles during election campaigning.
According to the proposed code, candidates will not be allowed to use vehicles for campaigning or to display campaign materials without prior permission. Vehicles used without authorization will be seized, and legal action will be taken. Traffic police or other security personnel are authorized to confiscate such vehicles and report the matter to the District Code of Conduct Approval Committee.
With permission from the election officer, a candidate may use a maximum of two two-wheeled, three-wheeled, or four-wheeled electric or mechanical vehicles, as specified by the Commission, within the concerned constituency or at the candidate’s location. In areas where vehicles are not permitted, up to four horses may be used.
The proposed code also states that vehicles with foreign number plates will not be permitted under any circumstances. Political parties may use vehicles only in the number and type approved through the prescribed process, and altering the appearance of vehicles is prohibited.
Vehicles granted permission may not be used by other parties or candidates, nor may they be shared among candidates. The code further prohibits political parties or candidates from transporting voters using authorized vehicles.
However, exceptions may be granted, with permission from the election officer for voters, who are unable to walk, including pregnant and postpartum women, women carrying young children, orphans, persons with disabilities, and senior citizens.
Additionally, the proposed code requires political parties to submit the name of their main campaigner to the Commission. Only main campaigners authorized by the Commission will be permitted to use helicopters for campaigning.
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