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ELECTION CODE VIOLATION

The Kathmandu Post
26 November 2017

ELECTION CODE VIOLATION

In this time of elections, all the parties especially the left alliance and democratic bloc are making every effort to reach out to all voters through massive election campaigns. It seems as though they have not left a stone unturned in terms of finding ways to garner the support of constituents. Election codes of conduct have been undermined and violated in most constituencies. The misuse of money and muscle by the major parties can be easily seen. Children too have been massively used in the elections. Yet the Election Commission (EC) and its district based authorities have not taken any steps to control and punish election codes violators.

It was interesting to read the news about the EC being serious about taking action against external poll observers (“CEC hardens position on int’l poll observers” November 23, Page 1). According to CEC Yadav, there is no need for international observers to certify Nepal’s election as long as Nepali people accept the electoral process and the results. Why did the EC allow them to observe the upcoming elections? There has been a trend in Nepal of inviting international missions to observe elections. Was it necessary for our EC to invite these international missions to observe Nepal’s election process?

Time has come for the EC to be tough on its stand against the election codes violators. So far, not a single case has been heard about the EC taking action against any violators. A team of three European Union representatives have been found violating election code in Kanchanpur as reported (“EU reps violate election code in Kanchanpur, November 23, Page 1). The poll body has allowed four international observers for the upcoming provincial and federal elections. However, the EC should think twice about allowing any external observers to observe the polls in the coming days.

Rai Biren Bangdel
Maharjgunj


http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/printedition/news/2017-11-26/election-code-violation.html

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