HoR elections: Election Commission seeks explanation on 87 plaints of code violation

Kathmandu, Feb 26: The Election Commission (EC) has stated that out of 87 complaints received so far by the Central Code of Conduct Monitoring Committee, explanations have been sought from political parties and candidates, and responses have been received on 57 of them.

So far, 81 people have been asked to furnish written explanation and six people have been directed for a clarification again, Commission's legal officer Mohan Raj Joshi told RSS.

The Commission has also requested explanations from political parties, candidates, government and non-governmental organisations, media outlets and journalists who have been allegedly charged of violating the election code of conduct.

Registered media and journalists associated with them have been urged to provide clarifications and other related action through the Press Council Nepal.

Setopati Online has also been asked for clarification through the Press Council for publishing news content, through opinion polls in the name of election analysis, claiming that specific parties and candidates will be elected.

Complaints against violations of election code of conduct are being received even at the district level and necessary actions are being taken on them.

The EC has initiated the necessary investigation and action process on the complaints received to ensure effective implementation of the election code of conduct and to reduce violations. The Commission has also stated that 54 responses received are under study.

He stated that the Central Code of Conduct Monitoring Committee, the District Code of Conduct Monitoring Committee, District Code of Conduct Monitoring Officer, and the concerned election office are active for the effective implementation of the code of conduct.

To make the monitoring of the code of conduct at the district level effective and ensure its implementation, according to Section 32 of the Election Code of Conduct, 2082, Assistant Chief District Officers of all 77 districts have been appointed as code of conduct monitoring officers for matters other than financial, and the Chief Treasury Controller for financial matters.

The Commission has stated that the work of informing stakeholders about the code of conduct in all districts and obtaining commitments to adhere to it is being carried out effectively.

It is also stated that regarding complaints received at the district level, clarifications were sought from the district itself, and responses were demanded and legal proceedings were initiated against those found guilty. (RSS)