Kathmandu, August 30

Code of conduct for the third phase of local level elections slated for September 18 in Province 2 came into effect today.

The code of conduct is applicable to the government and its top figures, including ministers, public institutions, local bodies, media outlets, I/NGOs, government employees, security personnel, the Election Commission stated today.

The EC has warned that strong action will be taken against those who violate poll code.

Persons holding public positions, election observers, contesting political parties and their sister wings will have to follow the election code. The EC stated that candidates would have to follow the code of conduct after they filed their nomination.

The EC added that the government could not appoint, promote, transfer or depute any of its employees, including civil servants and security personnel, except on election duty, in Province 2. The government, however, can transfer or depute employees with the prior consent of EC under special circumstances.

Moreover, no new position in public entities, public institutions or local bodies can be created. The government is also barred from filling vacant posts in state-institutions. Besides, the government is prohibited from providing economic facilities, awards and increase perks and benefits to the government employees as mentioned in the election code of conduct.

The code of conduct also bars the government from allotting or transferring budgets for any new development work without the EC’s consent in Province 2. However, the government is free to mobilise or provide funds for the ongoing development projects already mentioned in the fiscal expenditure.