Election Commission Receives 85 Complaints Over Code of Conduct Violations

The Election Commission Nepal has received 85 complaints so far under the Central Code of Conduct Monitoring Committee and has sought clarification from the concerned political parties and candidates. Of these, responses have been received for 54 complaints.

According to the Commission’s Legal Officer Mohan Raj Joshi, clarification has been sought from 79 individuals, while six have been asked to provide further clarification. The Commission has issued notices to political parties, candidates, government and non-governmental organizations, media outlets, and journalists accused of violating the election code of conduct.

In the case of registered media outlets and affiliated journalists, the Commission has written to the Press Council Nepal to seek clarification and take necessary action. Similarly, online news portal Setopati has also been asked for clarification through the Press Council for publishing content based on opinion polls under the pretext of election analysis that projected specific parties or candidates as winners.

At the district level, complaints related to violations of the election code of conduct have also been received, and necessary actions are being taken. The Commission stated that it is proceeding with investigations and appropriate measures to ensure effective implementation of the code and to minimize violations. The 54 responses received are currently under review.

To strengthen enforcement, the Central Code of Conduct Monitoring Committee, District Code of Conduct Monitoring Committees, designated district monitoring officers, and concerned election offices have been mobilized. In accordance with Section 32 of the Election Code of Conduct, 2082, assistant chief district officers in all 77 districts have been designated as monitoring officers for non-financial matters, while chief treasury controllers have been assigned to monitor financial matters.

The Commission stated that awareness programs are being conducted in all districts to inform stakeholders about the code of conduct and to secure commitments for its compliance. In cases of complaints received at the district level, clarifications are sought locally, and legal action is initiated against those found guilty.