KATHMANDU: The Election Commission (EC) has intensified its efforts to curb violations of the election code of conduct as the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5 approaches.
The Election Code of Conduct, 2082 has been enforced to ensure that the upcoming polls are free, fair, transparent, and credible. The Commission has urged all stakeholders to strictly comply with the provisions of the code.
Based on complaints and information received by the Central Code of Conduct Monitoring Committee, the Commission has so far sought clarifications from 21 political parties, candidates, and organizations. Of these, only five have submitted responses, while follow-up action is under way to obtain the remaining explanations.
The Commission stated that it has initiated monitoring of individuals and groups making false, misleading, or hateful statements in violation of the code of conduct. It has also emphasized coordination with relevant regulatory bodies to take legal action against those involved in unlawful activities.
According to Commission spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, the Information Ethics Promotion Unit under the Election Information Dissemination and Coordination Centre is fully operational. The unit has identified 302 instances of harmful information, which have been forwarded to the concerned authorities for action in accordance with the Election Code of Conduct, 2082, the Electronic Transactions Act, 2063, and the Press Council Act, 2048.
The Commission has clarified that any activity raising concerns about the integrity or fairness of the election can be reported, verbally, in writing, or electronically, to the Commission, the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, the Office of the Electoral Officer, the Provincial or District Election Office, or the District Code of Conduct Compliance Officer.
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