Nepal Election Commission Warns of Fines and Jail Time for Obstructing Campaigning

Kathmandu. A fine equivalent to NPR 200,000 will be imposed if any obstruction is found during the election campaigning of a different political party or candidate.

The Election Commission has stated that according to federal law, obstructing, attempting to obstruct, detaining, or causing detention with the intent to deprive someone of their right to campaign or vote during elections will result in a fine of NPR 200,000 or imprisonment for up to three years, or both.

The Commission noted that it is monitoring the election campaigning of political parties or candidates participating in the House of Representatives elections through various media. The Commission has received complaints and grievances that other political parties, candidates, party cadres, or ordinary citizens have created various forms of obstruction to the election campaigning activities of any political party or candidate. Furthermore, the Commission has expressed serious concern over information received through various media outlets regarding such incidents.

The Election Code of Conduct regarding the conduct to be followed by political parties, candidates, or their affiliated organizations and concerned individuals has already been issued. This Code of Conduct stipulates that processions, mass meetings, corner meetings, meetings, gatherings, or other programs organized by any political party, candidate, or their affiliated organization should not be disrupted or obstructed in any way.

According to the Election (Offenses and Penalties) Act, no individual shall be obstructed or caused to be obstructed with the intent to deprive them of their right to file a candidacy, campaign according to the prevailing federal laws related to elections, or exercise their right to vote during the election process.

The Commission concludes that the responsibility for conducting the upcoming elections in a free, fair, impartial, and fear-free environment rests with all political parties, candidates, ordinary citizens, and stakeholders.

The Commission has requested all concerned stakeholders not to engage in or cause acts of obstruction with the intent to deprive others of campaigning according to the prevailing federal laws related to elections.