EC directs for clean, fair by-election

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Nov. 19: The Election Commission has issued a set of directives to ensure that the upcoming local-level by-election, scheduled for Sunday, December 1, are conducted in a clean, free, fair, reliable and a cost-effective manner.

Issuing a statement on Monday, Joint Secretary and spokesperson for the Election Commission (EC), Nita Pokharel Aryal said that the instructions were issued to local levels where by-election are to be held. These directives focus on maintaining polling stations, ensuring accessibility and managing necessary resources for the elections.

The Commission has instructed local authorities to ensure that facilities such as polling stations, drinking water, electricity, and transport systems are well-maintained and accessible to all, including senior citizens, women, and people with disabilities. 

The Election Commission has urged local authorities to prioritise the maintenance and preparation of roads and other physical infrastructure leading to polling stations. 

The commission has directed local governments to update their employee records and ensure they are available as needed, as local-level employees may be mobilised for election-related tasks.

Additionally, the EC has instructed local bodies to prohibit political parties and candidates from misusing government or community properties during their electoral campaigns.

The Commission has emphasised the need for strict adherence to the election code of conduct, warning that violations of the code of conduct would result in action.

Local levels have been urged to halt the initiation of new projects or activities such as forming consumer's committees until the elections are completed. Meanwhile, the EC has finalised comprehensive security arrangements for the upcoming local level by-election. 

Following recommendations of the high-level election security committee meeting held on November 17, the EC has directed the government and the Ministry of Home Affairs to implement a series of measures to ensure the elections are conducted in a clean, free, fair, and fearless environment.

The government has emphasised a rigorous security framework aimed at ensuring safety of the polling stations, ballot boxes and voters across 43 local levels in 33 districts. 

The Ministry of Home Affairs has been instructed to effectively implement the by-election security plan, and District Security Committees to ensure smooth transportation of voters and ballot boxes while maintaining election integrity.

Additionally, the EC asked for the enforcement Election (Crimes and Punishments) Act, 2073, ensuring that any unlawful activities do not disrupt the elections.

The Election Commission has also mandated full adherence to the by-election code of conduct and set a temporary alcohol ban from November 20 to December 1.