Bajura, November 20

Political parties in Bajura are blatantly violating the election code of conduct and using children in election publicity campaigns.

Informal Sector Service Centre district representative Padam Bahadur Singh said political parties were using children to chant slogans and Dalit children to play traditional musical instruments in election rallies.

District-based political parties were involving children in poll campaigns despite their commitment against use of children in poll activities.

Children were made to welcome Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba at Martdai’s poll programme last Saturday. The Dalit children marched to the helipad playing musical instruments as the prime minister arrived and left Martadi.

District Child Rights Forum Chairman Sher Bahadur Rawal said the Nepali Congress and the left alliance have used children for poll related activities. Woman and Children Officer Kamala Shahi said political parties disobeyed the frequent requests not to use children in poll-related activities. “Serious observation from the authority concerned is needed,” she added.

Likewise, government employees were also found actively taking part in the election publicity campaign to support their favoured political factions. Government staffers were overtly delivering election speeches and seeking votes.

Meanwhile, Chief District Officer Luk Bahadur Chhetry has asked the staffers to refrain from getting involved in election related activities.