Nepal poll panel to monitor election code of conduct

Kathmandu – Nepal’s Election Commission has formed a high level committee to effectively monitor the election code of conduct, an official said Sunday.

The election commission is preparing to take tough measures following the intensive violation of election code of conduct by political party candidates across the country, Xinhua quoted Chief Election Commissioner Nil Kantha Uprety as saying.

“The high-level committee will be responsible for taking action against the candidates on the spot,” Upreti told reporters here.

There are 23 days left for Nepal’s Nov 19 Constituent Assembly elections.

The code of conduct prepared by the commission bans chartered helicopters and planes for election campaigning. The poll panel has also forbidden campaigners from using wall painting, banners, face painting, loud spears and placing billboards.

The parties are allowed to design only monochrome posters, not exceeding 180 square inches in size. The EC prohibits parties from resorting to insulting language, charter assassination and intimidation during their campaign.

Any party or candidate violating the rule will be fined about $1,000 in accordance with the section 29 of the Election Commission Act. As parties are intensifying the election campaign, there are widespread reports about the violation of code of conduct.