KATHMANDU:- With just nine days remaining for the House of Representatives (HoR) elections scheduled for March 5, the Election Commission Nepal (EC) has reminded all stakeholders to strictly adhere to the Election Code of Conduct.
The Commission issued the reminder after receiving several complaints regarding violations of the code in the lead-up to the polls.
In a statement released on Monday, the EC said the Election Code of Conduct is fully binding on the Government of Nepal, federal and provincial ministers, government bodies and their office-bearers, as well as local governments and their executives. It also applies to employees at the federal, provincial and local levels, including those working in semi-government institutions and public enterprises.
The Commission clarified that media houses and media personnel, schools, universities, teachers and officials are also obligated to comply with the code. Political parties, their sister organizations, candidates, election representatives and polling agents are equally required to strictly follow the guidelines.
According to the EC, banks and financial institutions, cooperatives, business and commercial sectors, non-governmental organizations and their staff must also abide by the code. Likewise, constitutional bodies, security agencies and personnel, public office holders, election observers and members of election observation committees are required to maintain full compliance.
The EC specifically urged professors, teachers and government officials to refrain from participating in or promoting any political party or candidate during the election period. The appeal follows complaints about their alleged involvement in campaign activities.
The Election Code of Conduct, 2082 BS, clearly prohibits teachers, professors and officials from engaging in political campaigns. The Commission has warned all concerned stakeholders to remain impartial and avoid any actions that could compromise the fairness of the upcoming HoR elections.