EC asks Prachanda, Rabi & Narayan Kaji for an explanation

KATHMANDU: The Election Commission has sought clarification from CPN Maoist Center Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda), Maoist Center Vice Chairperson Narayan Kaji Shrestha, and National Independent Party Chairperson Rabi Lamichhane.

Prachanda is a candidate for Gorkha Constituency No. 2 in the House of Representatives. Rabi is a House of Representatives candidate for Chitwan Constituency No. 2. The three individuals have been asked to explain their use of hats during election campaigning.

This clarification was requested in response to a complaint received by the Commission about the use of Nepali hats with the sickle and hammer symbol by some participants in the program attended by Chairperson Prachanda and Vice Chairperson Shrestha. Similarly, Lamichhane has been asked to explain why he wore a hat with the words ‘Let’s make Rabi Lamichhane victorious, vote for Rabi Lamichhane this year’.

Clause (d) of sub-section (1) of Section 13 of the Election Code of Conduct states that a person who participates in a rally or public meeting or spreads propaganda wears a logo or sticker or clothing, hat or cap, vest, t-shirt, jacket, shirt, or sticker bearing the party or candidate’s election symbol or flag. It is forbidden to wear a towel, patch, mask, or locket, or to carry a bag. As it appears that a section of the election code of conduct is being violated by the use of caps for election campaigning, the commission has requested that they submit an explanation to the Election Commission of Nepal or the relevant district election office within 24 hours of receiving the letter.

As it violates clause (d) of sub-section (1) of section 13 of the Election Code of Conduct, why shouldn’t action be taken under subsections (3) and (4) of section 23 of the Election Commission Act, 2073? It has been asked.