The Election Commission has sought clarifications from House of Representatives candidates, public officials, and various organizations regarding violations of the election code of conduct.
The commission has asked for a clarification from Nepali Communist Party (NCP) candidate from Jajarkot Shakti Basnet regarding a video of him distributing money. Based on footage showing Basnet tucking money into the headgear of people playing musical instruments during his nomination filing, the commission has directed him to respond within three days.
Similarly, the commission is also set to seek clarification from Shram Sanskriti Party Chairman Harka Sampang. He is being questioned regarding the use of children in election activities.
Furthermore, commission has decided to seek clarification from Chief Minister of Koshi province Hikmat Karki. This follows his participation in the nomination filing of CPN-UML candidate KP Sharma Oli in Jhapa-5 using a government vehicle. Public officials are prohibited by the code of conduct from using government resources for election campaigning.
The commission has also sought clarification from Ratsriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) candidate for Kathmandu-4 Surendra Bhandari. He is accused of making hateful remarks, specifically targeted at the gender minority and other minority communities.
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) candidate from Dolakha Jagadish Kharel has also been asked to furnish clarification. This pertained to the use of party flags and involving more than 25 people during his nomination filing. Kharel has already submitted his response, stating that the violation occurred unintentionally and pledging full compliance with the code of conduct in the future.
Additionally, the commission has sought clarifications from the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) and the National Sports Council (NSC). ANFA was questioned on election-related matters, while the NSC was asked about a sports-related conference.
The commission initially seeks a three-day clarification regarding code of conduct violations. A second clarification request follows with a 24-hour deadline, after which the commission prepares to take action against those who remain non-compliant.
The commission holds the authority to impose fines or even cancel the candidacy of those who violate the election code of conduct. "We have sought clarifications based on complaints received by the commission," said Joint Secretary of the Election Commission Yagya Prasad Bhattarai. "If we receive complaints regarding activities against the code of conduct, we will hold everyone accountable through clarifications. Just today, eight clarification letters were issued."
