Election Commission Seeks Clarification on 87 Complaints Regarding Code of Conduct Violations

Kathmandu. The Election Commission has stated that responses have been received for 57 out of the 87 complaints lodged so far with the Central Code of Conduct Monitoring Committee, seeking clarification from political parties and candidates.

Election Commission Law Officer Mohanraj Joshi informed that written clarification has been sought from 81 individuals, and a second clarification sought from six others. The Commission has also 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 have been filed.

For registered media outlets and associated journalists, clarification and action have been forwarded to the Press Council Nepal. Setopati online, which published news content claiming the election of a specific party and candidate based on pre-election surveys conducted in the name of election analysis, has also been asked for clarification through the Press Council.

Complaints against the violation of the election code of conduct are also being received at the district level, and necessary action is being taken. The Commission has initiated the process of investigation and action based on the received complaints to ensure effective adherence to the election code of conduct and minimize violations. The Commission also stated that the 54 received responses are currently under study.

He mentioned 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 actively working 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 the Chief Treasury Controller for financial matters, as per Section 32 of the Election Code of Conduct, 2082.

The Commission stated that the work of informing stakeholders about the code of conduct and securing their commitment to adhere to it across all districts in a short time is being carried out effectively. It was also reported that the process of legal action against those found guilty has been initiated after seeking clarification and demanding responses from the districts regarding the complaints received at the district level.