EC prohibits use of cap, T-shirt, bags bearing election symbol in election

Kathmandu - The Election Commission has prohibited the production, distribution and use of cap, sticker, t-shirt, bag and shawl bearing election symbol of any political parties in upcoming elections to House of Representatives and State Assemblies. 

EC Spokesperson Nabaraj Dhakal said that the EC decided to prohibit the production, distribution and use of such election materials in order to make the elections free, fair, transparent and cost-effective. 

The government has scheduled to hold the elections on November 26 and December 7. Dhakal said that the EC has today sent a letter to chief returning officers, election officers, Chief District Officers of 77 districts of the country and asked them to strictly prohibit the use of production, distribution and use of such items in the election, which is against the election code of conduct. 

"Using materials printed with election symbol of a political party during an election campaign is banned from the period when the election code of conduct comes into effect, and those violating the election code of conduct will be punished," says the letter sent by the EC. 

In earlier elections, the EC had sought clarification from those leaders and poll candidates of various political parties found to have violated the election code of conduct. Various materials printed with election symbol of political parties including t-shirts, caps, and handbags were also seized.