Political parties violating election code in Morang

Biratnagar, June 1

At a time when the second phase of local level elections is just around the corner, as many as half-a-dozen complaints have been filed at the District Election Office, Morang.

According to Prem Prasad Sanjel, chief at the regional election office, Biratnagar, political parties have been violating the basic election code of conduct in the district.

Mayoral candidate from CPN-Maoist Centre Dillip Agrawal is said to have distributed medical equipment to Rangeli Hospital through Rotary Club yesterday.

Sanjel said volunteers deployed for voter education in Jadaha Rural Municipality were involved in teaching the voters to cast ballot for certain political parties. “We  have initiated the procedure for taking action against the defaulters,” he informed.

There were complaints filed against CPN-MC, stating that the party had tied party flags to electricity poles in College Road, Biratnagar.

Complaints were also received regarding Rastriya Prajatantra Party Chairman Kamal Thapa’s portrait being placed on the banners put up in Gudri Bazaar.

Also, there were complaints about the Nepali Congress misusing government vehicles, some days ago. Sanjel said his office had alerted the parties after the public complaints were received.“Action will be taken against parties if they continue to violate the election code,” he added.

As per the election code of conduct, political parties should refrain from putting up election-related materials, such as flags on the walls; inform the administration if they have to organise election publicity programmes; and can keep party flags on their vehicles only after receiving approval from election officers.