KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 19
Chief Election Commissioner Dinesh Kumar Thapaliya has urged political parties and candidates in the upcoming local level elections to abide by the election code of conduct.
The local level election is slated for May 13 this year in a single phase.
At a programme organised by the Election Commission on the 6th Election Day here today, Chief Election Commissioner Thapaliya warned that the reprimand and punishment for violation of election code of conduct would be severe.
Comparing election with football, he said that political parties and candidates come to the ground to contest just like the players come to ground to play football.
"The EC plays the role of the referee," he said, adding that the commission should be a watchdog. If the political parties and candidates contesting the poll violate the code of conduct it should take action.
According to him, there are more than 250,000 election observers for the upcoming elections.
"We wish we do not have to show red card to any political party and candidate vying in the contest for flouting the code of conduct."
Thapaliya urged the employees of the Commission and its subordinate bodies to intensify preparations for the elections.
Similarly, Election Commissioner Janaki Tuladhar pointed out the need of collaboration and coordination ensuring the consent of all sides as election is the foundation of democracy.
Likewise, Commissioner Sagun Shumsher Rana said that it was necessary to work in a collective manner to make the election a success.
Election Commission's Secretary Gokarna Mani Duwadi said we all should support the Commission in taking up the responsibility for conducting elections in a free, fair and fearless environment.
EC Spokesperson Shaligram Sharma Poudel suggested that all work in a manner to create environment for election.
Thapaliya said the commission had also decided to honour employees who served for the longest time and performed well.
A version of this article appears in the print on February 20, 2022, of The Himalayan Times.
