KATHMANDU: The Election Commission (EC) has issued election code of conduct in view of by-elections scheduled to take place on November 30 to fill the 52 posts of people’s representatives at local, provincial and central level.

The code of conduct would be in effect immediately from today until the completion of the by-elections, as stated in a press release issued by the EC on Thursday. The EC has enforced the code of conduct to make the elections free, fair, transparent and fearless.

According to the EC, the November 30 by-election is taking place for different 52 posts, including one House of Representative member, three state assembly members, one mayor, three chairpersons, one vice-chair and 43 ward chairs, which have remained vacant in 43 districts.

The posts of office bearers had fallen vacant due to death, promotion, resignation and imprisonment of the elected representatives.

It may be noted that the EC has appointed Chief Returning Officer and Returning Officers to be effective from October 30. In consultation with the Judicial Council, the EC has appointed 37 district justices as Chief Returning Officers and 11 gazetted second class officers of the Nepal Justice Service as Returning Officers in consultation with Justice Service Commission.

The election code of conduct has the provisions preventing implementation of new programmes, use of public building and vehicles, creation of any new vacancy and transfer, promotion and deputation of the employees until the elections are completed.

The code of conduct is applicable to the political parties, candidates, mass media, Non-Government Organization, observers and employees.

Over 20,000 new voters will have a chance to participate in the by-elections. According to the EC, it will print voter identity cards for new voters, but those voters, who had voted in the last elections, will be required to use their old voter identity cards.

(With inputs from Rastriya Samachar Samiti)