EC introduces measures to enforce poll code

 By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Feb.2: In a bid to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections to the House of Representatives, the Election Commission (EC) has introduced a series of measures to enforce the election code of conduct. 

Speaking at the regular press briefing on Sunday, the EC’s Under-Secretary and Spokesperson, Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, highlighted the steps taken to prevent malpractices and maintain fairness throughout the electoral process.

To monitor violations of the election code of conduct, the EC has set up a dedicated email (ecn.coc@election.gov.np) for citizens to report issues such as illegal campaigning or unethical conduct by political parties and candidates. The identities of complainants will be kept confidential, and the EC has pledged to take swift action upon receiving complaints.

In addition, monitoring officers have been appointed in all 77 districts. Assistant Chief District Officers will handle non-financial violations while Chief District Comptroller will oversee issues related to campaign financing. 

These officers will also educate local stakeholders, facilitate candidate-electorate interactions, conduct field inspections, and ensure compliance with the code. 

Furthermore, to enhance transparency in political campaign financing, the EC has mandated that all political parties and candidates open separate bank accounts for managing campaign funds. 

These accounts must be with banks approved by Nepal Rastra Bank, ensuring proper documentation of financial transactions.

The EC has also sought clarifications from 21 individuals and organisations accused of violating the Election Code of Conduct. 

To date, 12 responses have been received, bringing the total number of code violations to 23. A task force has also been formed to analyse these violations and recommend any necessary actions or penalties.

“The law ensures that no action is taken without allowing the concerned parties to explain themselves. While the EC does seek clarifications, it will take further action if there is clear evidence of intentional violations,” Bhattarai said.

As part of its efforts to tackle misinformation, the EC has set up the election information monitoring and dissemination centre. 

The centre has identified 120 content creators and distributors involved in spreading harmful information, referring them to the Nepal Police's Cyber Bureau for action under the Electronic Transactions Act, 2008. 

Additionally, six cases have been forwarded to the Nepal Telecommunications Authority, and 13 cases have been sent to the Press Council of Nepal. Another 34 cases have been referred to the central code of conduct monitoring committee for action.

Over 3 million ballots for FPTP system printed

The EC has printed over 3 million ballots for the first-past-the-post (FPTP) electoral system. 

As of Saturday night, over 3 million ballots under direct electoral system have been printed, according to Bhattarai.

He said ballots for 25 districts have already been printed and the process continues smoothly, with approximately 1.2 to 1.5 million ballots being printed daily. 

The EC is adhering closely to the election schedule to ensure a timely and efficient electoral process, he added. 

In addition, the EC has been actively engaging with private sector organisations, including the FNCCI and the Nepal Chamber of Commerce, to ensure a fair election. 

A comprehensive voter education campaign has been launched, with 158 educational materials approved and uploaded across official social media platforms such as Facebook, X, TikTok, and YouTube, Bhattarai said. 

Furthermore, the EC briefed foreign diplomatic missions and UN agencies in Kathmandu about the election preparations and monitoring mechanisms, ensuring international stakeholders are informed about the upcoming elections.