KATHMANDU, Nepal – January 15, 2024 – With the National Assembly elections approaching, the Election Commission (EC) has announced its plans to implement the Election Code of Conduct starting Tuesday, January 16. The code, aimed at ensuring a fair and impartial election process, will remain in effect from January 18 to January 28.
Key Restrictions Under the Code
According to EC sources, the code of conduct prohibits the following:
- Use of Public Resources: Political parties and candidates are barred from utilizing any public resources or assets, including government vehicles, buildings, or funds, for election-related activities. This restriction applies to both favorable and unfavorable actions.
- Exploitation of Public Institutions: The use of government or public institutions, such as schools and hospitals, as well as educational institutions, for campaigning or propaganda purposes is strictly prohibited.
- Restrictions on Election Materials: The production and use of materials displaying the election symbol of any party or candidate are subject to limitations. Additionally, the dissemination or sharing of election-influencing materials on social media, which could potentially impact the election outcome, is not permitted.
- Government Officials’ Participation: Central, provincial, and local government officials who are involved in election campaigns are prohibited from using government resources or facilities during the code’s implementation period.
National Assembly Elections Scheduled for January 25
The upcoming National Assembly elections, scheduled for January 25, will see the election of 19 members to the upper house of Nepal‘s Federal Parliament. The Election Commission’s enforcement of the code of conduct is a significant step toward ensuring a transparent and equitable election process.
