Election Code of Conduct Violations Reported in Makwanpur

Makwanpur. Locals have expressed outrage following allegations that children were used in election activities involving Mahalaxmi Upadhyay 'Dina', the Nepali Congress candidate for Makwanpur House of Representatives Constituency No. 1, on the eve of the election scheduled for March 5.

Publicly released photographs clearly show underage children participating in election campaign rallies and group activities. The Election Commission's Code of Conduct strictly prohibits the use of children in any form of political campaigning, rallies, processions, or party-related activities. However, intense local protests have erupted, claiming that these directives were openly violated.

According to local resident Rajkumar Manandhar, the violation of laws during activities involving the candidate herself is serious and reprehensible. "Using children at a time when elections should be fair and dignified is against democratic values," they stated. This incident has also gained widespread attention on social media. The general public has drawn the attention of the Election Commission, the Home Administration, and security agencies, demanding an immediate investigation and strict action against those found guilty.

Neither candidate Mahalaxmi Upadhyay 'Dina' nor the Nepali Congress has released an official statement regarding this matter. Similarly, during door-to-door programs in Wards 6, 7, 14, and 15 of Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City, visuals have surfaced showing Deepak Bahadur Singh, the House of Representatives candidate from the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), engaging in activities that violate the Election Code of Conduct.

According to public photos and eyewitnesses, candidate Singh was seen conducting the door-to-door program while leaning out of the sunroof of a vehicle and waving to supporters and locals. The Election Code of Conduct explicitly states that while campaigning using vehicles, activities that jeopardize passenger safety or violate traffic rules are not permitted.

Local residents stated that such actions have raised questions regarding road safety and the code of conduct. According to them, while all candidates must follow the same rules during election campaigning, such scenes set a poor example. Furthermore, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has been accused of wrapping children in flags and deploying them in security roles at an event organized in Hetauda.

Sunil Karki (16) and Dinesh Lama (15), who were stationed at the event venue, stated that they are minors and were assigned security tasks during the program. According to them, they were provided with snacks, meals, and Rs. 1,500 per person for their work at the event.

Local parents and civil society have demanded an investigation into the incident and action against those responsible. They have urged relevant authorities—the administration, child rights organizations, and the Election Commission—to pay immediate attention to this matter.