Election Commission Fines Candidates and Political Party for Code of Conduct Violations

Kathmandu. The Election Commission has decided to impose cash fines on two candidates and one political party for alleged violations of the election code of conduct. The Central Election Code of Conduct and Monitoring Committee decided to fine Shakti Bahadur Basnet, a candidate from the CPN (Communist Party of Nepal), independent candidate Dr. Nicholas Bhusal, and the political party Shram Shakti Rs. 25,000 each.

Election Commissioner Sagun Shamsher JB Rana informed that the decision to impose fines as a punitive measure was made after the clarification sought by the Commission was found unsatisfactory. Speaking with News Agency Nepal on Thursday, Commissioner Rana clarified that anyone acting against the code of conduct will be brought under the purview of action based on evidence. The Commission has also directed the immediate reinstatement of one institutional employee who was terminated for not observing the code of conduct, in addition to issuing warnings to two employees.

So far, nearly 300 candidates across the country have been asked to clarify their positions regarding alleged code of conduct violations. Among those, the Central Election Commission itself sought explanations from 82 individuals, of whom 57 have submitted their clarifications, while six have been asked for further clarification as their responses were deemed unsatisfactory. Commissioner Rana stated that more than 300 complaints have been received from across the country and investigations are underway.

Meanwhile, the Commission has written to the Press Council Nepal to take action against incidents of code of conduct violations by media houses and journalists. The Commission also warned that if the Council does not take effective steps, the Commission itself will actively proceed with the action process.