Rajbiraj, September 3

Election Commissioner Sudhir Kumar Shah today said that it was the Election Commission’s responsibility to issue the election code of conduct.

Speaking at a press meet organised in Rajbiraj this evening, Commissioner Shah said,” We got threats from the government either to call off or postpone the election code of conduct for a few days. But as the Election Commission is a constitutional body, there is no point in giving unnecessary pressure,” he said.

Shah made this comment one day after the Deputy PM and Minister of Federal Affairs Bijay Kumar Gachhadar said the commission had curtailed the government’s scope by imposing the election code of conduct, at a press meet in Rajbiraj yesterday. “It is not necessary to consult the government or party leaders while issuing the election code of conduct. EC has to issue the code of conduct while the government has to manage security for the polls,” said Commissioner Shah.

Saying that the election code of conduct was made public 86 days before election day during the first CA election, 113 days before during the second CA election and 74 days before during the third phase of local level polls, Shah asked what was the problem with the code of conduct that had been made public 86 days before the polls.

“Election code of conduct contributes to creating fearless, fair and free atmosphere for voters to cast their votes,” clarified EC Shah.

Shah hailed the contribution of the media in ensuring fair elections and said political forces have a role in maximising voters’ education campaign.

Commissioner Shah also said that the date for provincial and parliamentary elections would not be changed as they were scheduled in consultation with the stakeholders.