Nominations for local by-elections today, code of conduct enforced

Kathmandu, November 17 — Nominations for candidates in the upcoming local level by-elections, scheduled for December 1, will be registered today. According to the Election Commission's Spokesperson and Deputy Secretary Nita Pokharel Aryal, the nomination papers will be registered at the respective local election officer's offices from 10 AM to 5 PM.

The Election Commission has completed all preparations for the nomination registration, and the list of candidates will be published between 5 PM to 6 PM today. A total of 38 election officer offices have been set up for the by-election. Among these, 32 are offices of Chief Election Officers, and 6 are offices of Election Officers, the Commission stated.

Election officer offices have been established in the respective local bodies and wards where the elections are taking place, Pokharel added. The deadline for filing objections against candidates will be from 10 AM to 3 PM on November 18, and after 3 PM, the verification and decision on the nominations and objections will be completed. The final list of candidates will be published from 5 PM to 6 PM on November 19.

On November 20, candidates will have time from 9 AM to 1 PM to withdraw their nominations. The final list of candidates will be published from 1 PM to 3 PM, and election symbols will be provided to the candidates between 3 PM to 5 PM. Voting will take place on December 1 from 7 AM to 5 PM.

The by-elections are being held due to vacancies in local government positions, including two District Coordination Committee chiefs, two Ruaral Municipality Chairs, four Vice-Chairs, one each of Municipal Mayor and Deputy Mayor, and 34 Ward Chairs, making a total of 44 vacant posts.

The Election Commission has directed political parties to submit nominations for these vacant positions ensuring gender balance, with female candidates filling the vacancies left by male officeholders in previous elections.

Election code of conduct enforced

The Election code of conduct has been enforced starting today. The Election Commission has announced that the code will apply to all public office holders, agencies, and officials in the districts concerned, as well as to federal ministers, provincial ministers, constitutional body officials, local government representatives, and employees of various public institutions, among others, until the election is completed.

The code of conduct will also apply to political parties and their affiliated organizations, candidates, election representatives, election observers, media personnel, and employees of public or private institutions involved in the election process. Violation of the code will result in penalties.

The Commission has emphasized that adherence to the code is a legal and ethical responsibility, aiming to ensure that elections are fair, free, transparent, and credible. It has also urged the public to report any violations, and warned that actions will be taken against those found in violation of the code.