Eight days to go for voting: Barring election publicity punishable

Kathmandu, Feb 25: Eight days are left to go for voting in the House of Representatives (HoR) election scheduled on March 5. 

The Election Commission has reminded everyone not to bar any political party or candidate from election campaigning. If they are barred from election publicity, those involved in it would face the fine of Rs 200 thousands.

None is allowed to bar the political party or candidate from campaigning, and the citizens from voting, EC said, adding that if anyone is found involved in such act, it would be actionable as per federal law. In case of barring candidates from publicity, those behind it would be fined Rs 200 thousands or three years' jail term, or both of these. 

EC has been conducting a monitoring of the election publicity of political parties and candidates via various mediums. It also received complaints that some political parties and candidates were barred by other parties from making publicity. Various media had reported such violation, to which, EC was concerned seriously.

The election code of conduct is already in place where the candidates, political parties, and their sister organizations are made aware on the activities they can carry out during the election. The election programmes, rallies, gathering and meetings must not be disrupted as per the code of conduct. 

Deprivation of voting rights is punishable, EC reiterated.  (RSS)