Election code violation

Election code violation

This is in response to the news report “EC chief dodges code violation issue” (THT, 14 Nov. 2013) that, I am sure, might have drawn the attention of all the voters. How come the EC chief, who has been mandated to force the political parties to abide the election code of conduct, has been keeping mum on the code violation? Should not he and his organization be vigilant all the time to ensure that the election code of conduct has been properly followed by all the political parties those are in election fray? Should not the EC keep its eyes and ears opened all the time and be ready and bold to take necessary actions to those who continue to violate the election code?

There have been reports coming in that mostly the senior leaders of major political parties are openly violating the election code of conduct. There seem to be abundant evidences as reported in the news media. But, so far, EC did not seem serious in taking any actions against such violators. There seemed to be some serious flaws on the part of EC. Is it because the EC members were picked up by the major political parties? Is it because they need to be loyal to those political parties who are behind their nominations? If so, how could the voters be convinced that the forthcoming second CA election would be free and fare under the direct or indirect influence of the major political parties?

As per the EC code of conduct, a candidate under the FPTP and PR systems can spend a maximum of Rs. 1 million and 75000/- respectively in total. However, looking at the senior leaders of so called big parties using helicopter to address mass gathering around different districts, there have been serious violation of code of conduct. None of them were taken any action by the EC. What made the EC not to be able to take any actions against such violators? What could be the reasons behind these flaws? On the other hand, it completely failed in keeping its promises of distributing voter’s ID card before second CA election. Now, some of the political leaders and voters have started raising doubts over the misuse of the temporary ID cards that are being printed by the EC itself.

Rai Biren Bangdel

Maharjgunj, Kathmandu

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