EC probes nine more candidates for code violations
By Saturday, the Commission had requested explanations from 21 individuals, with the additional nine inquiries issued on Sunday and Monday.
KATHMANDU: The Election Commission has sought clarifications from nine more individuals for allegedly violating the Election Code of Conduct.
By Saturday, the Commission had requested explanations from 21 individuals, with the additional nine inquiries issued on Sunday and Monday.
According to Assistant Spokesperson Kul Bahadur GC, Hemraj Thapa, a candidate from Bajura representing the Rastriya Swatantra Party, was asked for clarification following a complaint that he used abusive and threatening language targeting Bagmati Province Chief Minister Indrabahadur Baniya at the Chief Minister’s Office.
Thapa allegedly also posted related content on social media concerning the Martadi–Kolti road construction project contracted to PS Baniya JV.
The Commission asked Thapa whether he had indeed made insulting or threatening remarks against Chief Minister Baniya and whether he had adhered to the financial regulations outlined in the Election Code of Conduct, 2082, during his campaign.
Thapa has been asked to respond within three days under Sections 21(c) and 25(1)(c) and (j) of the Election Code.
The Commission has also forwarded cases involving misleading or indecent messages by candidates and media outlets to the Press Council Nepal for further action.
Similarly, Balendra Shah, a Rastriya Swatantra Party candidate from Jhapa-5, was asked for clarification for the second time on Sunday after audio-visual evidence surfaced showing a plainclothes police officer allegedly assisting in his campaign.
Shah has been asked to explain the involvement of his wife and the officer and respond within three days.
The Nepali Communist Party (NCP) has also been questioned for painting its election symbol outside the Election Office in Sindhupalchok-1, which allegedly violates the Code of Conduct.
Candidate Madhav Sapkota was also asked to provide clarification regarding the matter.
Additionally, Rudra Giri, Mangal Praja, and Ashok Tamani were asked to clarify their alleged violations.
Out of the 29 clarifications requested so far, the Commission has received responses from 14 individuals, according to spokesperson GC.
