Election Commission Seeks Clarification on 95 Code of Conduct Violations; Action Taken Against Eight

Kathmandu. Out of 454 complaints received by the Central Code of Conduct Monitoring Committee so far, clarification has been sought in 95 cases. The Election Commission stated that responses have been received for 62 of the clarifications sought from political parties and candidates. Assistant Spokesperson for the Commission, Sita Pun Shrestha, informed that clarifications have been sought from 89 individuals and a second clarification sought from 6 individuals. Responses have been received for five of the six individuals from whom a second clarification was sought. The Commission has written reminder letters to three individuals so far, receiving a response for one of those reminders. She also mentioned that the Commission has taken action against eight individuals after receiving unsatisfactory responses to the clarifications sought.

The Commission 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 were filed. Clarifications and subsequent actions for registered media outlets and associated journalists have been forwarded through the Press Council Nepal. Setopati online, which published news content claiming the victory of specific parties and candidates based on opinion polls conducted under the guise of election analysis, was also issued a clarification through the Press Council.

Necessary action is being taken against complaints received regarding violations of the election code of conduct at the district level as well. The Commission is proceeding with the necessary investigation and action process on the received complaints to ensure effective compliance with the election code of conduct and minimize violations.

The Commission also stated that further study is being conducted on the 62 responses received. Legal Officer Mohanraj Joshi stated that the Central Code of Conduct Monitoring Committee, District Code of Conduct Monitoring Committee, District Code of Conduct Monitoring Officer, and concerned election offices are active for the effective implementation of the code of conduct.

To ensure effective monitoring and implementation of the code of conduct at the district level, Deputy District Chief Officers in all 77 districts have been designated as Code of Conduct Monitoring Officers for non-financial matters, and the Chief Treasury Controller/Treasury Controller for financial matters, as per Section 32 of the Election Code of Conduct, 2082.

The Commission stated that the process of informing stakeholders about the code of conduct and securing their commitment to compliance has been effectively carried out across all districts in a short time. It was also mentioned that the process for 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.

The Commission stated that out of a total of 1,076 complaints received across all districts, 1,061 have been settled so far. It was reported that the highest number of complaints alleging violation of the Election Code of Conduct, 2082, by political parties and candidates were received from districts in the Lumbini Province.