The Election Commission has sought clarifications from Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Senior Leader Balen Shah, CPN-UML Secretary Mahesh Basnet, Shram Sanskriti Party Chairman Harka Sampang, and Nicolas Bhusal. Shah is a candidate in Jhapa-5, Basnet in Bhaktapur-2, Sampang in Sunsari-1, and Bhusal in Rupandehi-2.
The commission sought clarifications from them regarding their statements and violations of the election code of conduct, among other issues. A complaint was filed at the commission against the statements made by Shah. The complaint filed at the Election Commission alleged that he made hateful, misleading, and defamatory remarks contrary to the election code of conduct, prevailing laws, and democratic electoral processes. The complaint mentions that the comments made by Balen Shah via social media regarding the context of a transparent, intellectual, and fact-based public debate publicly proposed by UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli were against the spirit of democratic debate.
It claims that words used by Shah, such as 'murderer of 76 children, terrorist, and one who burns the country,' are serious, criminal, and baseless allegations made without any evidence or court decision.
Additionally, a complaint was also filed against UML Secretary Basnet regarding his statements. He is accused of interpreting certain words from a speech Shah gave in Janakpur in a distorted manner. Basnet is accused of giving hateful expressions that insult the Madhesi community. Shah had used the word 'Chhaura' in his speech. Basnet drew criticism after misinterpreting that word.
The commission has also sought clarification from Sampang. He was asked for clarification regarding the use of children in the election and making them wear T-shirts. "A letter of clarification has been sent to him today," a commission source said.
The commission has also sought clarification from Kamal Bhusal (Nicolas), who filed an independent candidacy. The commission asked for clarification regarding his election symbol, stating that he was found campaigning using two different election symbols. He had campaigned using the 'iconic shoe election symbol' of the Gen-Z movement. "Everyone has been asked to submit their clarification within three days," a commission source stated.
The commission has sought seven clarifications in total, including those for five candidates.
Similarly, Januka Pathak has been asked for a clarification regarding hateful comments about candidates and the use of words like murderer and rapist. Likewise, a clarification has been sought from the Health Volunteers Association for holding a convention after the code of conduct came into effect without obtaining permission. Additionally, one clarification has been sought regarding the transfer of a community school teacher.
