The Election Commission (EC) has implemented the Election Code of Conduct, 2022 from today, 28 September for the upcoming November 20 federal and provincial elections.

The commission has directed the political parties, leaders and other concerned individuals to follow the code of conduct.

Issuing a 60-point directive, EC has also barred any political party, candidate, sister organisation or concerned individual from conducting demonstration or protests targeting someone at his/her residence.

Political parties are not allowed to hold rallies, processions and other gatherings without obtaining permission from the local administration.

Similarly, use of flags, clothes, stickers, caps, vests, T-shirts, jackets, shirts, towels, masks, badges or lockets containing the insignia, and election symbol of the candidate or political parties is also restricted. Such items cannot be pasted or hung in public places or even on private properties.
“No such acts should be done including exhibiting weapons or explosives, threatening anyone or damaging their social prestige, boycotting or threatening to boycott someone from the society, misuse economic resources to influence voters and votes,”

“More than two political parties, candidates or sister organisations of the parties should not organise rallies, processions, meetings and other programs at the same location or road at the same time,” reads the code of conduct.

Meanwhile, no one should disturb the harmony among the various castes, religions, classes, regions and communities or propagate hatred among them and incite violence.

The directive also bars Prime Minister and other ministers to address the election rallies and garner public support beyond their constituencies.

No stakeholders are allowed to announce to donate money or goods or prizes or election expenditures to any other parties and throw or participate in feasts. Also, children are not allowed to be used in any political activities. No posters or digital displays or road shows are allowed for the election campaigns.

Spokesperson of the Commission Shaligram Sharma Poudel informed that the code of conduct is aimed at conducting the elections in a free, fair, fear-less and transparent atmosphere. EC published the code of conduct in the Nepal Gazette on August 29.

As per the election commission, the submission of the closed list for the proportional election has been completed.