EC seeks 21 clarifications for violation of election code of conduct

Kathmandu, Jan 29: The Election Commission (EC) has sought 21 clarifications from different political parties, candidates, government agencies and social organizations on the complaints against them for breaching the election code of conduct. 

EC Assistant Spokesperson Sita Pun Shris told the RSS that those clarifications were sought after the enforcement of the election code of conduct on January 18. Clarifications were received from eight candidates, agencies and organizations as of Thursday, Shris shared. 

The EC on January 21 sought clarifications from the candidate of Rastriya Prajantra Party (RPP) from Kathmandu constituency no. 4, Dr Surendra Bhandari and Chief Minister of Koshi Province Hikmat Kumar Karki by giving them three days to furnish their clarifications. But, Bhandari, who is also a senior advocate, has not furnished his response so far, according to Assistant Spokesperson Shris.

Likewise, Jagadish Kharel of Rastriya Swatantra Party from Dolakha constituency no. 1 was asked to submit his clarification. In response, Kharel submitted his response by promising to correct his weaknesses. 

Furthermore, the EC sought clarification from the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) for organizing ANFA Ordinary Congress. However, the ANFA has not submitted its response to the EC so far.  

Similarly, the EC stated that it has sought clarification from the candidate of RSP from Jhapa-5, Balendra Shah, for his comment in a post of CPN (UML) Chairman KP Sharma Oli regarding the public debate.

The EC has asked the RSP candidate from Banke-3, Khagendra Sunar, to submit his response for violating the election code of conduct by spreading social disharmony by making controversial comments regarding the national animal cow. 

The EC has also asked response from candidate Nisha Adhikari, CK Raut and other candidates for violating the election code of conduct. None of them has submitted their response till Thursday, the EC mentioned. (RSS)