PM himself violating poll code: EC officials

Published On: September 15, 2017 05:00 AM NPT By: Suresh Yadav

JANAKPUR, Sept 15: Not only the political parties and their candidates, but also the country's executive head, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba himself has been violating the election code of conduct during his visits to various districts of Province-2, according to the officials of the Election Commission (EC).

With the third phase of local elections scheduled for September 18 now just three days away, PM Deuba and various ministers affiliated with the Nepali Congress (NC) have been accused of blatantly violating the election code of conduct.

NC leader and former home minister Bimalendra Nidhi, former minister Ramesh Lekhak, Press Union Chairman Badri Sigdel, along with other senior leaders of the party have participated in election campaigns in various districts wearing scarfs bearing NC's election symbol, tree. The EC has asked Nidhi and Lekhak to submit clarifications over the issue, sources said.

“When the prime minister visits one district after another to canvass votes candidates of his party, it is a direct violation of the election code,” said an official of the District Election Office, Dhanusha.

Prime Minister Deuba joined the campaign trail since last Tuesday, visiting various districts of Province 2. He spent two nights in Janakpur and visited Bardibas of Mahottari on Wednesday. Party sources informed Republica that Deuba plans to visit Sarlahi, Rautahat, Bara and then Birgunj to campaign for his party's candidates.

Nawaraj Dhakal, spokesperson of the Election Commission, said Prime Minister Deuba has taken the election body's permission for the travel. He added, however, it would be against the election code of conduct if he is traveling for the promotion of his party's election campaign.

“We have heard that he is campaigning for his party candidates during the visits. I'll put this issue for discussion at EC's meeting,” he added.

Chief District Officer Dilip Chapagain of Dhanusha insinuated that Deuba has been violating the code of conduct. “The prime minister, ministers or anyone holding public position should not ask votes for anyone or any party. Regarding the Prime Minister, the EC knows better,” he said.