Election Commission Directs Monitoring Officers to Strictly Enforce Code of Conduct

Kathmandu. The Election Commission has directed monitoring officers to strictly enforce the election code of conduct and conduct meticulous surveillance. On Monday, Commission Spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai stated that monitoring officers designated under Section 32 of the Election Code of Conduct have been instructed to diligently fulfill their responsibilities.

According to Spokesperson Bhattarai, monitoring officers have been empowered to conduct detailed monitoring within their respective districts and immediately initiate legal action if any activities contrary to the Election (Offenses and Penalties) Act, 2073 are found.

The Commission clarified that in coordination with the District Code of Conduct Monitoring Committee, action will be taken against anyone violating the code of conduct by exercising the authority of the monitors. Emphasis has been placed on the effective implementation of the Election Code of Conduct, 2082, to ensure the House of Representatives election scheduled for Falgun 21 is clean and impartial.

The Commission informed that it has appointed Assistant Chief District Officers and Chiefs of the Treasury and Accounts Control Office as monitoring officers with distinct responsibilities. The Commission has designated the period starting 48 hours before the polling day (i.e., from 12 AM on Falgun 18, 2082) until the polling centers close as the 'Campaign Prohibition Period' (Silent Period).

Spokesperson Bhattarai stated that the Commission has urged all parties to fully comply with the conduct stipulated under Sections 17 and 18 of the Code of Conduct during this period.