District Election Office Kathmandu Issues Warning Over Code of Conduct Violations

KATHMANDU — The District Election Office, Kathmandu, has expressed serious concern over the violation of voter privacy by some online media outlets and social media users who have been asking voters which candidates they intend to vote for. The office has called for strict adherence to the Election Code of Conduct and requested that all activities compromising voter confidentiality be stopped immediately.

It has been noted that such activities violate Section 4 of the Election Code of Conduct, 2082. The office warned that if these actions do not cease, legal proceedings will be initiated in accordance with existing laws.

According to the regulations, election campaigning is permitted only starting 17 days before the polling date, following the publication of the final list of candidates. This includes organizing rallies, mass meetings, or corner meetings, publishing or broadcasting promotional materials in the media, and conducting door-to-door programs.

The Election Office stated that despite repeated discussions, interactions, and public notices regarding these rules, several political parties, their representatives, and candidates have been found violating them.

The office highlighted reports of premature corner meetings, campaigning, the dissemination of promotional materials, and door-to-door programs aimed at influencing voters. It emphasized that if evidence is found of anyone campaigning in violation of the Code of Conduct, immediate legal action will be taken.

Election Monitoring Officers Muktiram Rijal, Shivaram Bhattarai, Romakant Kafle, Mun Kumar KC, Sunita Subedi, and Rukmagat Aryal jointly drew attention to all aspects of the Election Code of Conduct.