KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 21

The Election Commission (EC) has drawn attention on the offensive remarks of various political leaders and candidates regarding the commission and its office-bearers while addressing poll assemblies.

The constitutional election body has also issued directive to the leaders and candidates of the concerned political parties to furnish clarifications within 24 hours.

In regard to the expression made by the political leaders and candidates, the EC separately sent letters seeking clarifications from the concerned noting it was a violation of the code of conduct.

The Commission sought clarifications from CPN (Maoist Centre) central member Laxmiram Acharya, Sudurpaschim province Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Kailali province assembly 4(d) candidate Dirgha Bahadur Sodari and Nepali Congress, Sudurpaschim province president and Kailali constituency-4 candidate for the House of Representatives member Bir Bahadur Balayar.

In their address to the election assembly in Kailali constituency 4(a), they were found involved in the activities breaching election code of conduct.

Reminding the provisions related to election code of conduct stating that unnecessary allegations cannot be made regarding election credibility or in a way to hurt the prestige of the commission, commissioners and employees, the EC has clarified that the code of conduct has already come into effect since last September 28.

The EC has directed the party leaders and cadres making offensive remarks against election code of conduct to furnish clarifications at the Election Commission or Province Election Office, Kailali within 24 hours.

In a separate letter sent to them, the EC has asked a question, 'What were the evidence base substantiating that you did not make offensive remarks alleging EC and its officials at a programme organized at Kailali province assembly 4(a) on Thursday?'

The letter further stated why you were not subjected to action according to the Clause 23(3) of the Election Commission Act, 2073 for delivering public remarks in a way to violate the election code of conduct.