Election Commission Seeks Clarifications Over Code of Conduct Violations

The Election Commission has asked candidates, public officials, and various organizations to provide clarifications over alleged violations of the election code of conduct for the upcoming House of Representatives election.

The Commission has asked Shakti Basnet, the candidate from Jajarkot representing the Nepal Communist Party, to explain a video in which he was seen distributing money. The video shows him putting money on the heads of people playing musical instruments during his candidacy registration. Basnet has been asked to respond within three days.

Similarly, the Commission has sought clarification from Hark Sampang, president of the Labour Culture Party, regarding the use of children in election-related activities.

Chief Minister Hikmat Karki of Koshi Province has also been asked for clarification. The Commission questioned his involvement in government resources during election campaigns.

In Jhapa-5, the Commission sought clarification from CPN-UML candidate KP Sharma Oli for using a government vehicle during his candidacy registration. Public officials are prohibited from using government resources for election campaigning, as outlined in the code of conduct.

Surendra Bhandari, the Rastriya Prajatantra Party candidate from Kathmandu-4, has been asked to clarify allegations of making hateful remarks, including comments against sexual and minority communities.

Jagdish Kharel, the Dolakha candidate from the Rastriya Swatantra Party, was asked to explain the use of the party flag and having more than 25 people participate during his candidacy registration. Kharel has already submitted his response, stating that he will fully comply with the code of conduct in the future and that any violations were unintentional.

The Commission has also asked the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) and the National Sports Council (Rashtriya Khelkud Parishad) for clarifications. ANFA was asked regarding election-related matters, while the Sports Council was asked about a sports conference.

Initially, the Commission gives three days for submitting clarifications regarding code of conduct violations. A second notice requires a response within 24 hours, after which the Commission is prepared to take action against those who still fail to comply.

The Commission has the authority to impose penalties ranging from fines to disqualification of candidacy for individuals who violate the code of conduct.

“We have sought clarifications based on complaints received by the Commission,” said Deputy Secretary Yagya Prasad Bhattarai. “Whenever we receive complaints about violations, we hold everyone accountable through these clarification requests. Today alone, eight clarification letters have been issued.”