KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 7
The Election Commission (EC) on Friday organised an orientation programme for national election observer organisations, focusing on the roles, responsibilities and code of conduct to be followed during the upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) elections.
EC Joint Secretary Narayan Prasad Bhattarai briefed participants on the concept and practice of election observation in Nepal. Election Management Division Chief and Joint Secretary Rajendra Kumar KC presented details on the management of the HoR elections for 2082 BS, including polling stations, polling centres, vote counting procedures, and the election schedule.
Likewise, Law and Party Management Division Chief and Joint Secretary Yagya Prasad Bhattarai explained the Election Code of Conduct, 2082 BS. Joint Secretary Gyanhari Ghimire outlined the constitutional provisions related to the HoR and Nepal's electoral system, and also clarified the duties and responsibilities of election observers.
Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari, along with Commissioners Dr Janaki Kumari Tuladhar and Sagun Shumser JB Rana, and EC Secretary Krishna Bahadur Raut, stressed that observers must have a clear understanding of the Constitution and electoral laws. They underscored the need for observers to submit reports on pre-election, election-day and post-election activities to the EC.
Participants were instructed to strictly adhere to the Election Code of Conduct, refrain from misusing vehicle passes, avoid favouring or opposing any political party, and not to interfere with polling or the duties of election officials.
According to the EC, 37 national observer organisations and three international observer organisations have been granted permission to observe the HoR elections scheduled for March 5.