Children used in PM’s election assembly: EC

Kathmandu, September 13

The Election Commission today said its attention had been drawn towards the use of children to welcome Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba in an election assembly organised by the Nepali Congress in zero mile of Siraha district.

The poll panel stated that use of under-age children in an election programme was against the poll code of conduct.

“NC Siraha district secretary has been directed to furnish clarification within 24 hours why action should not be initiated against him for using children in a poll programme,” reads a press release issued by EC Spokesperson Nabaraj Dhakal.

The EC also sought clarification within 24 hours from former DPM and NC leader Bimalendra Nidhi for using a towel with NC’s election symbol in a poll rally organised by NC Dhanusa district. The EC stated that the election code of conduct prohibited use of clothes, caps, stickers, logos, bags and towels (even tattoos) with election symbol of any candidate or political party.

The EC stated that its attention had been drawn towards a complaint lodged against the NC and the CPN-Maoist Centre for using children in a joint election rally in Mithila Municipality of Dhanusha  district.

The poll panel stated that a 24-hour clarification had also been sought from NC Dhanusha Secretary and CPN-MC Dhanusha in-charge for use of children in election programmes. Children were seen carrying flags of the said parties.

The EC has urged seven parties — the Nepali Congress, the CPN-UML, the CPN-MC, the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, the Federal Socialist Forum-Nepal, the Nepal Democratic Forum and the Rastriya Janata Party-Nepal to comply with the election code of conduct.

Writing separate letters to the seven parties, the poll panel told them to immediately stop the use of large-sized flags, vehicles, motorcycles, rickshaws, cycles, and merchandise containing election symbol of any candidate or political party.

The EC also asked the seven parties to stop using children or loud speakers during election campaign.