Acting Chief Election Commissioner Assures Timely Election Amidst Rumors

Kathmandu. Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari has urged everyone to be confident that the election will take place on the scheduled date. Speaking at an event organized by Gorkhapatra Sansthan on Sunday, he advised candidates and political parties not to follow unnecessary rumors and doubts being spread about the election.

He asserted that even if some elements attempt to disrupt the election, such attempts will not succeed, and voting will be completed on the fixed date. Mentioning that some candidates still call him expressing doubt about whether the election will happen or not, Bhandari clarified that the Nepali people will no longer witness any sponsored propaganda.

Reiterating that elections are the only alternative to elections, he stressed that the environment for elections will not be disturbed now, even if some resentful individuals try to fulfill certain interests. He warned that no one should attempt to fish in troubled waters, as all political forces, new and old, have accepted elections as the path forward.

According to Bhandari, the voting time is set from 7 AM to 5 PM on Falgun 21, and the process will be completed at that time. He stated that the government will prohibit any activities aimed at disrupting the election or creating instability, and the Commission is closely monitoring such activities. He also informed that the Commission is providing necessary suggestions to the government if any shortcomings are observed in creating the environment, and urged that the Election Commission's stance should not be taken as weakness.

Meanwhile, Acting Chief Commissioner Bhandari directed all stakeholders to fully adhere to the election code of conduct. He warned against the immediate halt of activities by some media outlets that are conducting opinion polls contrary to the code of conduct. Expressing dissatisfaction that some media outlets have not stopped conducting opinion polls despite repeated requests, he warned that the Commission will be compelled to take action against those who violate the code of conduct.

Stating that elections are indispensable for moving forward on the path of good governance, he called on everyone to focus on campaigning and publicity.