Election Commission Receives 66 Complaints on Code of Conduct Violations, Seeks Clarification from 32 Parties

The Election Commission has stated that 32 responses have been received out of 66 complaints lodged so far with the Central Code of Conduct Monitoring Committee, and clarifications have been sought from the concerned political parties and candidates.

The Commission sought clarification from political parties, candidates, government and non-government organizations, media outlets, and journalists against whom complaints of violating the election code of conduct were filed. Mohan Raj Joshi, a legal officer at the Commission, informed that clarifications and actions for registered media outlets and associated journalists have been forwarded to the Press Council Nepal for necessary action.

Complaints against the violation of the election code of conduct are also being received and necessary actions are being taken at the district level. The Commission is proceeding with the necessary investigation and action process on the received complaints to ensure effective compliance with the election code of conduct and minimize violations. Legal Officer Joshi stated that the 32 received responses are currently under study. He added that the Central Code of Conduct Monitoring Committee, District Code of Conduct Monitoring Committee, District Code of Conduct Monitoring Officer, and the concerned election office are active for the effective implementation of the code of conduct.

To make the monitoring of the code of conduct effective and ensure its implementation at the district level, Assistant Chief District Officers in all 77 districts have been designated as Code of Conduct Monitoring Officers for non-financial matters, and Chief Treasury Controller/Treasury Controller for financial matters, as per Section 32 of the Election Code of Conduct, 2082.

Legal Officer Joshi mentioned that the process of informing stakeholders about the code of conduct and securing their commitment to adhere to it across all districts has been effectively carried out in a short time. For complaints received at the district level, clarification has been sought from the district itself, and legal action proceedings have been initiated against those found guilty after seeking responses.