Uphold Election Integrity

The campaign for the House of Representatives (HoR) elections has entered a new phase after the Election Commission (EC) set 15 days for canvassing.  Now the political parties and candidates are permitted to campaign from midnight of February 16 until midnight of March 2. The EC has issued a 64-point directive to political parties and candidates, detailing strict rules for campaigning, financial management and voter conduct that they must abide by.

This is an important time for political parties to make public their election manifestos to attract and win the hearts of the voters. Four political parties - Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Nepal Workers and Peasant Party, Ujalyo Nepal Party, and Progressive Democratic Party - have already released their election manifestos, with a raft of commitments to muster the voters' support. During this period, the parties and their candidates will interact with people, listen to their grievances and win voters' confidence with the agendas they have set for the development of their constituency and the nation as a whole.

This HoR election is the much anticipated event for people, political parties and the international community, as it is expected to give much-needed stability to the nation, as it is the election after the Gen Z uprising against corruption and nepotism. The directives also emphasise that no individual shall obstruct candidates from contesting, campaigning, and devoid voters from exercising their right to vote. Likewise, both political parties and people should work to ensure a peaceful election. The EC has prohibited the use of weapons, threats, inducements or any action that could harm social reputation or disrupt public order. Character assassination, intimidation or actions inciting hatred based on language, religion, caste, community, region or gender are prohibited.

Abiding by these rules is important to conduct free, fair and fear-free elections. The political parties contesting the upcoming election should show great self-restraint and abide by the code of conduct so that the electoral process becomes smooth and peaceful. It also shows political parties' respect and reverence for democracy and the rule of law.

The government is committed to ensuring proper poll security arrangements. It prevents the misuse of state power and resources by the party in power to influence voters. Likewise, the code of conduct strengthens the democratic norms and neutrality of the state mechanism by separating political interest from government duties. As long as political parties abide by the Election Code of Conduct, the election becomes fair and the participation of people will increase. A higher turnout of people is important in the election, as it ensures free competition and builds trust.

When elections are free from fear and intimidation, more citizens feel safe and motivated to vote. Active public participation and fair practices together strengthen democratic values. High turnout gives legitimacy to the elected government and ensures it truly represents the will of the people. Thus, adherence to the election code of conduct is very important to regulate the behaviour of political parties, candidates, government officials, media and voters during elections. This is necessary to maintain the integrity of the polls, the grand democratic exercise.