Makwanpur sees surge in election code violations

BY ANIL PARAJULI,Hetauda, Feb. 27: As the date for the House of Representatives election approaches, complaints regarding violations of the election code of conduct have been increasing in Makwanpur district.

According to the District Administration Office, Makwanpur, a total of 25 complaints have been received through various channels alleging violations of the election code of conduct during election-related activities.

Assistant Chief District Officer and Election Code of Conduct Monitoring Officer Mohan Raj Joshi stated that two written complaints, seven complaints through social media, and 16 verbal complaints had been received so far. Complaints were received via email, Facebook, and telephone calls.

The reported violations include producing and distributing caps, T-shirts, bags, and scarves bearing party logos; organising programmes in schools, elected representatives campaigning for political parties at the local level; and misuse of government vehicles. He informed that the Election Code of Conduct Monitoring Committee had discussed the complaints and taken necessary action, including issuing warnings where appropriate.

He emphasised that all concerned parties must remain aware and responsible. Political party candidates as well as independent candidates had been urged to fully comply with the election code of conduct.

There are 374 polling centres across 167 polling stations in Makwanpur’s two electoral constituencies. According to District Police Spokesperson Pushkar Bogati, 19 polling stations had been categorised as highly sensitive, 60 as sensitive, and 88 as normal from a security perspective. Among the highly sensitive polling stations, there are 26 polling centres. 

In Makwanpur, where 44 candidates are contesting, there are a total of 315,334 registered voters across the two constituencies.