KATHMANDU, Jan 29: The Election Commission (EC) has sought clarification from three election candidates and three state bodies over alleged violations of the Election Code of Conduct, 2082 BS, amid growing scrutiny of campaign-related activities.
According to EC Legal Officer Mohanraj Joshi, complaints were lodged against Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) candidate Khagendra Sunar from Banke Constituency-3, candidate Dr Chandrakant Raut (CK Raut) from Saptari Constituency-2, and candidate Nisha Adhikari from Kathmandu Constituency-5, prompting the EC to seek formal explanations from them.
MoE seeks clarification from Sajha chief Dolindra
Sunar has been asked to clarify allegations that he violated the code of conduct by spreading communal hatred using the national animal, the cow. The clarification letter was signed by Section Officer Prakash Subedi. Similarly, Raut has been sought clarification following complaints that he used election symbols and party flags to construct and hang decorative arches within his constituency.
Candidate Adhikari, meanwhile, has been asked to explain allegations that she sent volunteer application forms to Nepalis residing in Australia, along with details suggesting that her election campaign could be supported through QR code payments.
Beyond the candidates, the EC has also sought clarification from Purbanchal University’s central office in Gothgaun, Morang, after complaints were filed regarding the conduct of written examinations for contract-based staff recruitment and preparations to publish the results, including concerns over possible legal action against those involved.
Likewise, Devi Ram Acharya, a teacher at Deuti Basic School in Bhairavi–3, Dailekh, has been asked to clarify allegations of seeking votes for a particular political party through social media. The EC has also sought clarification from the Guthi Sasthan following complaints that it removed the chief lama of the Bouddha and Melamchi Ghyang Guthi in violation of the Election Code of Conduct.
