KATHMANDU: Within ten days of the enforcement of the Election Code of Conduct, 2082, the Election Commission has sought explanations from 21 entities, including political parties, candidates, government bodies, and social organizations.
According to Assistant Spokesperson of the Commission, Sita Pun Shrees, the Code of Conduct came into effect from midnight on Magh 4, and between Magh 4 and Magh 15, a total of 21 clarification notices were issued. So far, only eight responses have been received.
On Magh 7, the Commission sought explanations from senior advocate Dr. Surendra Bhandari, a Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) candidate from Kathmandu Constituency No. 4, and Koshi Province Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki. Both were asked to submit written explanations within three days. While Chief Minister Karki has responded, Bhandari has yet to do so.
Bhandari was asked for clarification under Clause (c) of Article 4 of the Election Code of Conduct, 2082, which prohibits election campaigning that harms the sentiments or character of senior citizens, women, sexual and gender minorities, and persons with disabilities.
Similarly, Chief Minister Karki was asked for clarification under Article 5 (a), which outlines the conduct to be followed by the federal and provincial governments, ministers, and local executives. The clause bars them from engaging in or promoting election campaigns in favor of or against any political party or candidate. The Commission stated that it is currently reviewing whether Karki’s response is satisfactory.
In Dolakha Constituency No. 1, Rastriya Swatantra Party candidate Jagadish Kharel was asked for clarification under Article 13 (1) clauses (d) and (n). As his explanation was found satisfactory, he has been warned to remain cautious in the future.
The Commission also sought explanations from the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) and the National Sports Council on Magh 8 regarding the organization of ANFA’s Ordinary Congress election. Neither organization has submitted a response so far, despite the Council being a government body.
Similarly, Nepal Communist Party candidate from Jajarkot, Shakti Bahadur Basnet, Koshi Province Minister for Industry, Agriculture and Cooperatives Israel Mansuri, and several other candidates and institutions have either submitted responses that are under review or have failed to respond within the stipulated time.
The Commission has also sought clarifications over alleged violations related to hate speech, misuse of children in election प्रचार materials, distribution of cash or goods, excessive processions, social media conduct, and misuse of institutional authority.
According to the Commission, several candidates—including Mahesh Basnet (UML), Balen Shah (RSP), CK Raut (RSP), Khagendra Sunar (RSP), and Nisha Adhikari—have not yet submitted their explanations despite notices being issued.
The Election Commission stated that investigations are ongoing and further action will be taken based on whether the explanations received are found satisfactory, in accordance with the Election Code of Conduct, 2082.
