Kathmandu, Feb 8: The District Election Office, Kathmandu, has objected to the practice of violating voter secrecy by asking the general public and voters about whom they plan to vote for through social media and some online media outlets.
Drawing attention to the need to follow the election code of conduct, the election office has urged all concerned not to engage in or encourage any act that breaches voter confidentiality.
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Citing Clause 4 of the Election Code of Conduct, 2082, the office said such acts amount to a violation of the code. It warned that if these practices continue, legal action will be taken as per prevailing laws.
According to the rules, election campaigning is allowed only from 17 days before polling day, after the final list of candidates is published. During this period, activities such as rallies, mass meetings or corner meetings, publication or broadcast of campaign materials through the media, and door-to-door campaigning are permitted.
The election office said it has repeatedly informed political parties, their representatives, and candidates about these provisions through discussions, interactions, and public notices. Despite this, some parties, representatives, and candidates have been found violating the rules.
Information has been received that some groups are holding corner meetings, carrying out publicity campaigns, publishing and broadcasting campaign materials, and conducting door-to-door programs before the stipulated time to influence voters. The office has urged all concerned to stop such activities.
The election office further stated that if evidence is found of campaigning in violation of the code of conduct in any form, immediate legal action will be initiated under existing laws.
Code of conduct monitoring officers Muktiram Rijal, Shivaram Bhattarai, Romakant Kafle, Munakumar KC, Sunita Subedi, and Rukmagat Aryal jointly drew attention to all aspects of the election code of conduct.
