Rautahat, September 10

With the third round of local level elections approaching near, violation of the election code of conduct has become rampant in Rautahat.

Both party and independent candidates have been using schoolchildren in their election campaigns. However, the concerned authorities seem to be turning a blind eye to such violations of the poll code.

In total, there are 16 municipalities and two rural municipalities in the district. Political parties have intensified their poll campaigning after getting their election symbols from Election Commission.

The election code of conduct strictly prohibits pasting of election publicity materials on the walls in public and religious places. It also restricts candidates from using children in their publicity campaigns.

Candidates have also been using loud speakers and sound boxes carrying them on tractors and vans across the district, causing noise pollution. They have been using dozens of vehicles for publicity purpose in defiance of the election code of conduct. As per the poll code, a candidate cannot use more than two vehicles for campaigning.

Shambhu Suprime, a local of Raj Devi Municipality, complained that the authorities concerned had remained silent on such instances of poll code violation.

Meanwhile, Election Officer Prahlad Barnawal deputed at the municipality, however, said no one had yet registered complaints regarding violation of the election code of conduct at his office.

Chief District Officer of Rautahat Uddab Bahadur Thapa said the District Administration Office had ordered local police to take action against poll code violations.