EC warns strict action if teachers engage in election campaign
The Commission issued this call following complaints and reports that some educational personnel had participated in political campaigning.
KATHMANDU: The Election Commission has urged professors, teachers, and staff to refrain from engaging in any election campaigning in favor of political parties or candidates ahead of the upcoming House of Representatives elections.
The Commission issued this call following complaints and reports that some educational personnel had participated in political campaigning.
The statement, released today, emphasizes the need to maintain the independence, fairness, transparency, cost-effectiveness, and fear-free environment of the elections.
Spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai highlighted that the Election Code of Conduct, 2082, has been implemented to ensure these standards.
He stated that it is the responsibility of all stakeholders, including political parties and candidates, to fully comply with the code, and the Commission is actively monitoring adherence.
Under Section 16(E)(5)(G) of the Education Act, 2028, any teacher or employee found to be a member of a political party’s executive committee may be removed from their position.
Furthermore, Section 10(A) and 10(C) of the Election Code of Conduct, 2082, clearly prohibit school, college, or university staff from engaging in campaigning for or against any political party or candidate, or allowing the use of their vehicles, premises, or resources for election activities.
The Commission has urged all educational personnel to uphold the dignity, neutrality, and legal obligations of their positions and to refrain from any campaigning that violates the code of conduct.
Violations of the code may result in action under Section 48 of the Election Code of Conduct, 2082.
The Commission has also requested necessary monitoring by District Code of Conduct Monitoring Committees, Election Officers, and Election Code of Conduct Supervisors to ensure full compliance.
