KATHMANDU, March 1: The Election Commission (EC) has instructed all election observers to strictly adhere to the issued Election Observation Guidelines to ensure a clean, fair, and credible election. With the polls approaching, the EC has emphasized the need for orderly, disciplined, and effective observation.
According to the EC, election observation is a critical part of the democratic process. Observers are expected to perform their duties with high professionalism, neutrality, and accountability. Non-compliance with the guidelines may lead to disciplinary action.
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The EC stressed that full implementation of the guidelines is each observer’s responsibility, and any violation could raise questions about the credibility of the electoral process. Observers must act impartially, neutrally, and independently, avoiding any activity that shows bias toward or against any political party or candidate. They are prohibited from campaigning, expressing support or opposition, or attempting to influence the election in any way. Observers must maintain complete distance from political activities throughout the election period.
Furthermore, observers are not allowed to instruct or interfere with election officials, including returning officers, polling officers, or other staff deployed for the election. Their role is limited strictly to observation and reporting. Observers must not engage directly or indirectly in any disputes during the election; if a dispute arises, they should document factual details and report them to the relevant authorities.
Maintaining voter confidentiality is a key responsibility. Observers are strictly prohibited from photographing ballots, revealing voters’ confidential information, or doing anything that compromises the secrecy of voting. All information collected during observation must be reported objectively, without spreading unverified information, rumors, or confusion.
Observers are also required to monitor only within their assigned areas, must display their identification cards at all times, and are forbidden from conducting unauthorized activities outside their designated zones.
