EC reminds parties for election campaign until March 2

KATHMANDU: The Election Commission (EC) has reminded the political parties and candidates to engage in election campaigning like meeting, conclave, media engagement and programmes at local community from February 16 to March 2 for the upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) election.

Organizing a press conference on Sunday, Officiating Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari urged political parties not to obstruct any individual from participating in the election or campaigning. They are asked to not hinder or deprive anyone of his/her voting rights.

Bhandari made aware the parties and candidates to not influence anyone with the display or use of weapons or explosives, thereby injuring and intimidating. The candidates and political leaders are further reminded the laws and code of conduct that they should not threaten anyone of ostracizing nor could lure with financial incentives and make promises.

“During the election period, no voter will be coerced into giving or receiving cash or any favour in the form of gifts, prizes, donations,” the EC said, adding that the public favour can not be sought by organizing public feasts. Moreover, the election campaign is not allowed in a way that disrupts and jeopardizes independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, national unity and the harmonious relations existing among the people from diverse religion, caste and region. Inciting violence and spreading hate speech are equally banned during the electioneering.