KATHMANDU, MARCH 1
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged all stakeholders to strictly adhere to the election code of conduct to ensure a free and fair House of Representatives (HoR) election scheduled for March 5.
Stating that everyone has a role in ensuring the successful conduct of the HoR election, the NHRC called on all sides to exercise restraint and extend support toward strengthening peace and security during the electoral process. It also stressed that the misuse of social networking sites and the dissemination of defamatory content must be curbed.
Issuing a statement on Sunday, NHRC Spokesperson Dr Tikaram Pokharel urged the government and all concerned authorities to ensure that the HoR election remains human rights–friendly.
"During pre-election monitoring, the NHRC found that many electoral candidates were flouting the code of conduct. The use of children in election campaigning and threats against journalists are clear violations of the code," he said.
He further expressed concern over the use of election symbols in physical form, the placement of publicity materials on private property without permission, and the involvement of local-level people's representatives and government employees in electioneering.