33 Days To HoR Elections: EC Active For Code Of Conduct Enforcement; 21 Explanations Sought

Kathmandu, Jan 31: The Election Commission (EC) has intensified its activities to check violation of the code of conduct.

In a bid to make the upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) elections scheduled for March 5 free, fair, transparent and credible, the Election Code of Conduct, 2082 has been put to force.

The EC has been drawing attention of all concerned stakeholders and actors to fully abide by the code of conduct.

As informed, the EC has so far sought 21 explanations from different political parties, candidates and organizations based on the complaints and information received at the Central Code of Conduct Monitoring Committee.

According to the EC, responses have been received for only five of the complaints received and follow-ups are being made for the remaining responses.

It is also shared that efforts are underway to monitor misinformation, disinformation and hate speech in breach of the code of conduct and bring to book those engaging in such illegal activities in collaboration with regulatory mechanisms.

The Information Integrity Promotion Unit within the Election Information Coordination Centre established within the EC has come to full operations, the EC informed.

Spokesperson of the Commission, Narayan Prasad Bhattarai shared that the unit has sent a total of 302 pieces of misinformation identified to relevant authorities for action in accordance with the Election Code of Conduct, 2082, the Electronic Transactions Act, 2063, and the Press Council Act, 2048.

The EC clarified that complaints can be lodged in writing, orally, or electronically to the commission, the Chief Returning Officer's office, the Returning Officer's office, the provincial/district election office, and the District Code of Conduct Monitoring Officer regarding any activities that warrant the integrity and fairness of the elections.