EC issues directives for fair, clean, and secure local by-elections on Dec 1

KATHMANDU: The Election Commission (EC) has issued comprehensive directives to ensure the local-level by-elections on Sunday, Dec 1, are conducted in a clean, fair, transparent, and cost-effective manner.

In a statement released on Monday, Joint Secretary and EC spokesperson Nita Pokharel Aryal outlined the measures to be implemented in the areas where the elections will take place.

These include maintaining polling stations, ensuring accessibility, and managing necessary resources to facilitate a smooth electoral process.

Key Directives Issued by the EC:

Polling Facilities:

Local authorities are instructed to ensure polling stations are well-equipped with essential facilities such as drinking water, electricity, and transport. These must be accessible to all voters, including senior citizens, women, and individuals with disabilities.

Infrastructure Preparation:

Authorities are urged to prioritise the maintenance and readiness of roads and other physical infrastructure leading to polling stations.

Mobilisation of Employees:

Local governments have been directed to update and prepare employee records to ensure the efficient deployment of personnel for election-related tasks.

Ban on Misuse of Resources:

Political parties and candidates are prohibited from misusing government or community properties during their campaigns.

Code of Conduct:

The EC has stressed strict adherence to the election code of conduct, warning of stringent action against violations.

Halt on New Activities:

Local levels are advised to suspend the initiation of new projects, such as forming consumer committees, until the elections conclude.

Security Measures:

The EC has finalised robust security arrangements, following recommendations from a high-level election security committee meeting on Nov 17.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has been directed to enforce a comprehensive security plan, ensuring the safety of polling stations, ballot boxes, and voters across 43 local levels in 33 districts. District Security Committees are tasked with ensuring the smooth transport of voters and ballot materials while upholding election integrity.

To maintain order, the EC has also called for the strict implementation of the Election (Crimes and Punishments) Act, 2073, ensuring that unlawful activities do not disrupt the process.

Alcohol Ban:

As part of the code of conduct, a temporary alcohol ban has been imposed from Nov 20 to Dec 1, further underlining the EC’s commitment to ensuring a fair and peaceful electoral environment.

These measures reflect the EC’s dedication to upholding the principles of democracy through a transparent and inclusive election process.