Election Commission Seeks Second Clarification from Independent Party Candidate Balen Shah Over Alleged Police Involvement in Campaigning

Kathmandu. The Election Commission has sought clarification for the second time from Balendra Shah (Balen), the candidate for the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in Jhapa Constituency No. 5.

According to the Commission, the second clarification was demanded after receiving audio-visual material related to Shah's election campaigning. The Commission stated on Monday that a complaint was filed alleging that police officers in plain clothes were seen soliciting votes for Shah in the material.

The Commission has expressed concern regarding the presence of plainclothes police officers accompanying Shah's wife during his election campaign. The Commission has directed Shah to submit a clarification within three days, demanding a clear answer regarding the circumstances of this matter.

The Commission has stated that action will be taken according to prevailing election laws if a candidate or any person involved on their behalf is found engaging in activities contrary to the Election Code of Conduct, 2082.

Previously, the Commission had also sought clarification from Balen regarding his comment on the Facebook post of CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli.