KATHMANDU, JANUARY 14
The Election Commission (EC) has decided to enforce the election code of conduct from January 16 for the upcoming National Assembly election.
The EC issued a press release, informing that Section 1 of the Election Code of Conduct, 2079, and Section 22 of the Election Commission Act would be effective for all citizens, agencies, and officials from January 16 to 26.
The election for the members of the National Assembly is scheduled for January 25.
As per the code of conduct, the use of any public resource and property for or against any election candidate is prohibited. Distortion of election-related content and information is not allowed, and government schools or publications cannot be used as spaces for electioneering.
Similarly, the production, sale, distribution, and publicity of anything bearing election symbols of any party/candidate or party logos are not allowed according to the code.
Other prohibitions as per election law include the use of children, publicity of the election by assassinating the character of women, senior citizens, disabled people, and the community of sexual and gender minorities.
Additionally, the conduct of any kind of procession, general assembly, corner meeting, meetings, and election promotional activities in prohibited times and areas are not allowed. The spread of false, misleading, or malicious information in social media, hate speech, and insults to other candidates, among other activities intended to influence the election, are also prohibited.
Since the enforcement of the election code of conduct, violations of the confidentiality of voters and indulgence in disputes with voters or election staff deployed in the polling stations are not allowed. Any actions or activities that compromise the impartiality and fairness of the election are prohibited.
Ministers in federal and provincial governments, as well as office bearers of public offices involved in the election campaign with permission from the commission, are restricted from using government resources. They are also made aware of the silence period.
