KATHMANDU, April 10: The Election Commission (EC) has announced the enforcement of the electoral code of conduct in Ilam district provincial assembly constituency-2 and Bajhang district provincial assembly constituency-1 (1) for the upcoming by-election scheduled for April 27. 

Joint Secretary at the EC Shaligram Sharma Poudel, who is also the spokesperson, provided information that the electoral code of conduct will be enforced in the respective areas from April 10 onwards.

"The decision has been made based on the recommendation of the high-level election security committee meeting to enforce the electoral code of conduct in Ilam district provincial assembly constituency-2 and Bajhang district provincial assembly constituency-1(1) and to direct the District Election Code of Conduct Monitoring Committee to monitor the electoral code of conduct," they said.

According to Section 42 of the Election Code of Conduct, 2079 BS, it is instructed to take necessary information and details through the Nepal Police, other security agencies, any office or person regarding the compliance of the code of conduct and the election expenses allowed to political parties and candidates.

Similarly, it has been asked to take daily details on matters related to political parties, candidates, fraternal organizations of the party, public office holders, members of oversight committees, monitors, representatives of political parties and candidates, representatives of voters, candidates, and related individuals, processions, public meetings, corner meetings, gatherings, use of transportation and communication media, and election expenses. 

According to the EC, the meeting of the high-level election security committee in the EC also reviewed the preparations regarding the election security arrangements.

The meeting of the High-Level Election Security Committee has also decided to write to the Government of Nepal through the Chief Secretary to arrange public holidays for the by-elections. As the EC has designated schools in Ilam-2 and Bajhang-1 as polling centers on April 26 and April 27 for the by-election, it was decided to write to the government through the Chief Secretary to arrange public holidays.

Government and provincial government ministers, local executive officials, and other concerned authorities are instructed to obtain permission from the EC before participating in or being involved in publicity or campaigns in electoral areas. Action will be taken against those found violating these directives. It has also been instructed to make arrangements to control the sale, distribution and consumption of alcoholic beverages from April 15 to April 28.

It has been instructed to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, through the Ministry of Home Affairs and the National Investigation Department, to implement the provisions of the Election Offenses and Punishment Act, 2073, Section 24, for the management of all bodies involved in the operation of elections in a clean, independent, impartial, fearless, and secure environment during the upcoming by-elections in Ilam and Bajhang districts.

 
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• Illam
 
• Bajhang