KATHMANDU: A complaint has been filed with the Election Commission against former Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City Mayor and House of Representatives candidate from Sunsari Constituency No. 1, Harka Sampang, over the alleged use of children in election campaigning.
Sampang, who is also the chairperson of the Shram Sanskriti Party, has been accused of involving children during campaign activities for the March 5 elections. The complaint was lodged by the Dharan Municipal Child Network at the District Police Office and the Office of the Election Officer.
The complaint cites provisions of the Act Relating to Children, 2018, which prohibit the direct or indirect use of children for political purposes. It alleges that Sampang violated these legal provisions during his campaign.
The Child Network has demanded that Sampang be summoned to the Election Officer’s Office for discussion and that action be taken for violating the election code of conduct.
Election Officer Divyaraj Ghimire said a complaint review committee has been formed under the coordination of the Chief Election Officer, and further action will be taken after studying the case.
If proven guilty, the law provides for a fine of up to Rs 100,000. In addition, the candidate’s nomination could also be cancelled.
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