Election Code of Conduct: Dos and Don’ts

Kathmandu / April 9: The election code of conduct enforced by the Election Commission (EC) has come to effect across the country since April 8.

The code of conduct has prohibited making any expression, publicity, production of electronic materials and publishing and sharing them through social media for and against any side in a way to directly affect the electoral process, shared EC Spokesperson Shaligram Sharma Poudel.

As claimed the commission has laid emphasis on monitoring and enforcement of the code of conduct this time when there were huge complaints regarding election influence with the misuse of power and money in the previous elections.

“Prohibitions are made to disseminate fake information on social media, operate fake accounts and sites and produce and publicize any content on any form in a way to defame anyone”, states the election code of conduct.

The EC has urged to use the of social media in a dignified and well-managed way as the political parties or candidates are allowed to make publicity thoughts their private or official pages by presenting their principles, thoughts, commitment and action.

The code of conduct has banned producing, distributing and demonstrating symbolic materials such as jackets, shirts, vests, T-shirts, caps, towels, masks, lockets or any wearing or sticker logo, bag, batch and tattoo showing election symbol of political party or candidate.

The political parties, candidates, and sister organizations of the parties are required to conduct rallies, gatherings, corners meetings, meetings and election publicity in a civilized and disciplined manner. But, those attending election publicity rallies or mass gatherings are not permitted to wear any materials demonstrating the election symbol of any party, the code of conduct noted.

The employees, representatives of political parties or candidates, voting representatives and vote count representatives should sign the commitment paper before being mobilized in the election-related tasks.

The EC has clarified that the code of conduct is not meant to suppress citizens’ right to knock the courts on any matter related to election results but to enhance election fairness and integrity.