Election Commission Urges Local Representatives to Abstain from Campaigning

Kathmandu. The Election Commission has urged local level representatives not to participate in election campaigning.

The Commission made this request to maintain freedom, fairness, impartiality, transparency, frugality, and a fear-free environment during the elections. Mentioning the implementation of the Election Code of Conduct, 2082, the Commission reminded stakeholders that it is their responsibility to fully comply with the said code of conduct.

The Commission stated that it is monitoring the full compliance of the Election Code of Conduct by all political parties, candidates, and concerned parties. It noted that the Commission has been seriously drawn to attention by complaints and grievances received alleging that some local level representatives participated in the campaigning of political parties or candidates in violation of the Election Code of Conduct.

According to the provisions in the Election Code of Conduct, while office bearers of the local executive body can engage in the election campaigning of the concerned political party in a local level other than the one where they hold office, there is a clear provision that they must not use government resources and means.

The Commission has cautioned local executive office bearers not to participate in the election campaigning of any political party or candidate in the local level where they hold office, as it would be contrary to the Election Code of Conduct.