Election code of Conduct comes into effect from today

KATHMANDU, NOVEMBER 19 : The Election Commission has implemented the election code of conduct starting today, November 17, for the upcoming local-level by-elections. Nita Pokharel Aryal, Joint Secretary and Spokesperson for the Election Commission, stated that the code applies to individuals, organizations, and officials holding public office in the districts where the by-elections will take place. The code will remain in effect until the elections conclude on December 1.

The code of conduct applies to a wide array of entities, including the Government of Nepal, provincial governments, local executive bodies, constitutional bodies, public officeholders, security agencies, semi-government organizations, and their employees. Political parties, candidates, their representatives, media organizations, private and non-governmental entities, schools, colleges, universities, and their staff must also adhere to the regulations.

Development partner organizations, government and semi-government projects, cooperatives, financial institutions, commercial sectors, and other entities specified by the Commission are likewise required to follow the code.

The Election Commission stressed that adhering to the code of conduct is both a legal and moral responsibility. It urged all stakeholders to comply with the guidelines to ensure that the elections are conducted freely, fairly, and credibly. The Commission encouraged citizens to report any violations through verbal, written, electronic, or social media complaints and promised to take action against offenders.

Nominations for the December 1 by-election are being registered today, November 17, from 10 AM to 5 PM at the offices of election officers in the respective local areas. The by-elections will fill 44 vacant positions, including two District Coordination Committee heads, two Rural Municipality chairpersons, four vice-chairpersons, one Municipality mayor, one deputy mayor, and 34 ward chairpersons.