Rupandehi Election Monitoring Committee Issues Four-Point Code of Conduct for Free and Fair House of Representatives Polls

Rupandehi. To ensure the House of Representatives election is conducted in an independent, fair, transparent, economical, fear-free, and reliable environment, the district-level Election Code of Conduct Monitoring Committee has issued a public notice detailing four points of conduct as stipulated by the Election Code of Conduct, 2082.

Election Code of Conduct Monitoring Officer Assistant Chief District Officer Matrika Acharya and Election Code of Conduct Monitoring Officer Chief Treasury Controller Bishnu Prasad Khanal stated that the notice has been issued to enforce the code of conduct for political parties, candidates, their sister organizations, and concerned individuals.

The notice specifies 25 points of conduct to be followed while conducting rallies, public meetings, corner meetings, gatherings, assemblies, or election campaigning activities, as per the Election Code of Conduct 2082. Among these, it is mentioned that political parties or candidates must conduct rallies, public meetings, corner meetings, or assemblies in a civilized and disciplined manner during election campaigning. It is also stated that protests or demonstrations should not be held near anyone's house during the program, and permission must be obtained from the local administration at least 24 hours in advance regarding the date, time, route, and location of the program.

The use of children in any election campaigning program is strictly prohibited. Furthermore, campaigning must not be conducted in a manner that harms the feelings, honor, character, or reputation of senior citizens, women, sexual and gender minorities, or persons with disabilities.

During door-to-door canvassing, processions exceeding 25 people, including the candidate, proposer, and supporters, accompanied by musical instruments and tableaux, are banned. During election campaigning, campaigning in the name of any religion or campaigning or soliciting votes in a manner that spreads communal discord is prohibited. Additionally, it has been clarified that political parties or candidates should use a maximum of 10 national flags when conducting rallies, public meetings, corner meetings, door-to-door visits, or any type of procession, and the national flag should not be used for general election campaigning purposes.

The Election Code of Conduct 2082 also includes provisions regarding the use of vehicles for election purposes by candidates and political parties. The code allows candidates to use a maximum of two light motor vehicles powered by electricity or machinery in their respective constituencies or place of candidacy, as specified by the Commission, upon obtaining permission from the Election Officer. However, the use of vehicles with foreign license plates is prohibited.

Similarly, if any political party uses helicopter services, it must be done within the expenditure limit set by the Commission for political parties based on the number of candidates on the closed list according to the proportional representation system.

The code of conduct also mandates adherence to standards set by the code regarding expenses incurred by political parties or any candidate for election purposes. Under this, any political party must open a separate account in a bank or financial institution for election-related expenses and expenditures must be made from that account by the responsible official designated by the party. Furthermore, financial contributions exceeding NPR 25,000 must be made through banks or financial institutions, and it is mandatory to issue a receipt or voucher for the amount received and deposit it into the candidate's or party's bank account.

Moreover, the Election Code of Conduct specifies standards for the use of media, including television, radio, or FM radio, for election campaigning by political parties or candidates. A notice has been issued specifying the criteria for the use of online media registered with the Department of Information and Broadcasting and listed with the Press Council Nepal by political parties, candidates, and their sister organizations for election campaigning.

According to the notice issued by the Monitoring Committee regarding the code of conduct, if activities are found to be conducted in violation of the Election Code of Conduct, 2082, a fine of up to NPR 100,000 may be imposed or the candidacy may even be revoked, as per Section 23 of the Election Commission Act, 2073.

The Monitoring Committee has requested all political parties, candidates, sister organizations, the general public, voters, journalists, and all concerned stakeholders to fully comply with the Election Code of Conduct, 2082, to ensure the House of Representatives Election, 2082, is conducted successfully, fairly, impartially, and fearlessly, and to make the district a model and exemplary district in terms of adhering to the code of conduct.

It has been arranged that complaints regarding violations of the election code of conduct can be filed in writing, verbally, via social media, or through electronic means with the concerned Chief Election Officer's Office, the District Code of Conduct Monitoring Committee, the Election Officer's Office, Election Code of Conduct Monitoring Officers, the nearest Nepal Police or Armed Police Force units and offices, and the Election Commission.

Monitoring Officer Rupandehi's Assistant Chief District Officer Acharya stated that since ensuring the election is conducted in a fair, impartial, and fear-free manner is the equal responsibility of all, it is essential for all parties to be serious about fully complying with the code of conduct issued according to the House of Representatives Election Code of Conduct, 2082.