Election code in strict implementation: Commissioner Rana

Janakpurdham, Nov 4: Election Commissioner Sagun Shumsher Rana has said EC was strict on implementing election code in view of the November 20 election to House of Representatives and Provincial Assembly. The strict implementation of election code helps ensure free and fair election, he added.

At a province level orientation organized here with the coordination of the Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS) on Friday, Election Commissioner Rana viewed the election code must be practiced effectively to make election respected. "EC is committed to make election free, fair and credible. So, all sides concerned must abide by the code," he said, adding that the committees formed from district to central levels were monitoring whether the code was implemented or not.

He further warned that EC not only seeks clarification but also takes action against those violating the code. If anyone is found violating the code, EC is ready to initiate the action against him/her immediately. 

Rana urged the media to disseminate verified information on election. Media has important role to educate voters.

Chief returning officer in Dhanusha, Brajesh Pyakurel, also said media could play a significant role to ensure free and fair election.

On the occasion, Board Member at RSS, Krishna Adhikari, said the media should write and disseminate news by taking into account both the election code and journalists' code. Media should carry out its duty in a way it helps create conducive atmosphere for November 20 election, he underscored. 

Joint Secretary at Election Commission, Yagya Prasad Bhattarai, informed that among 71 complaints filed on violation of election code, clarification was sought from 40 persons.

Similarly, a ward chairperson was fined Rs 5,000 for violating election code, according to him.

Also speaking on the occasion were- Chief of Election Office in Madhesh Province, Shreedhar Panthi, and Vice Chairman of FNJ Dhanusha Chapter, Abadhes Kamat.(RSS)