KATHMANDU, Feb 25: The Election Commission (EC) has warned that individuals found engaging in financial transactions to influence voters may face up to one year of imprisonment.
Issuing a public notice, the EC stated that offering inducements to voters to either exercise or refrain from exercising their voting rights will invite legal action. Offenders may be fined up to Rs 50,000, sentenced to up to one year in jail, or face both penalties.
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The EC clarified that giving or receiving cash, gifts, prizes, donations, or any form of material benefit in exchange for voting or abstaining from voting constitutes a criminal offence under election laws.
According to the EC, it is a serious crime for candidates or their representatives to seek votes by offering money, gifts, food, or any other goods. It emphasised that strict monitoring will be carried out to prevent such practices.
The EC has urged voters to remain vigilant and refrain from engaging in illegal activities, calling on both voters and candidates to uphold accountability and adhere to legal procedures to ensure a free and fair election.
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