EC intensifies seeking clarifications from election code of conduct violators

Kathmandu, Jan 26: The Election Commission (EC) has sought clarifications from the political parties, candidates, government officials and non-government organizations for allegedly breaching the Election Code of Conduct, 2082 BS. 

Assistant Spokesperson of the EC, Sita Pun informed RSS that the commission has sought eight explanations during the period since the enforcement of election code of conduct (January 18 midnight) through January 25. 

The commission had sought clarification from candidate of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) from Kathmandu District Constituency No. 4, Dr Surendra Bhandari and from Chief Minister of Koshi Province Hikmat Kumar Karki, on January 21. 

Though both were asked to submit responses within three days through correspondence, no reply has been received so far, she stated. 

Bhandari was asked for clarification under Section 4(c) of the Election Code of Conduct, 2082. According to this section, it is prohibited to conduct or place election campaig in a way that offends the feelings of senior citizens, women, sexual and gender minorities, and persons with disabilities, or assassinates their character. 

Similarly, Chief Minister Karki of Koshi Province was asked for clarification under Section 5(A) of the Election Code of Conduct, 2082.

The article states the election code of conduct must be abided by the Government of Nepal, provincial governments, ministers and local government authorities and their officials. 

The conduct states that no one should engage in or promote propaganda for and against any political party or candidate. 

On last January 22, a letter was sent to candidate of the Rastriya Swatantra Party Jagdish Kharel, requesting him to submit a clear response within three days in accordance with the code of conduct. 

According to the EC's assistant spokesperson, only Kharel has submitted his explanation among eight candidates who were asked for clarification so far. 

Likewise, on the same day, the commission asked the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) for a clear response within two days regarding the organization of the ANFA General Assembly. 

A response to that end has also not been received. 

The Election Commission had also corresponded with the Nepali Communist Party candidate of Jajarkot, Shakti Bahadur Basnet, asking him to submit a clear response within three days. 

Basnet has also not submitted clarification till now. 

The Minister of Industry, Agriculture and Cooperatives of Koshi Province, Israel Mansuri, was also corresponded, asking him to submit a clear response within three days. 

The EC had also sought clarification from RSP's candidate from Okhaldhunga Constituency No. 1 Bishwo Raj Pokharel. He has also not yet submitted the response, the EC said. (RSS)