EC Strengthens Monitoring to Ensure Fair March 5 Elections

The Election Commission (EC) has stepped up efforts to prevent violations of the election code of conduct ahead of the upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) elections on March 5.

To ensure the elections are free, fair, transparent, and credible, the Election Code of Conduct, 2082 BS, is now in effect. The EC has urged all political parties, candidates, and related stakeholders to fully follow this code.

So far, the EC has asked 21 political parties, candidates, and organizations to explain themselves based on complaints received by the Central Code of Conduct Monitoring Committee. Responses have been received for only five complaints, and the EC is following up on the rest.

The EC is also actively monitoring misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech that violate the code of conduct. Those involved in such illegal activities will face action, with support from other regulatory bodies.

The Information Integrity Promotion Unit, set up under the Election Information Coordination Centre within the EC, is now fully operational. According to EC spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, the unit has sent 302 cases of identified misinformation to the relevant authorities for action under the Election Code of Conduct, 2082 BS, the Electronic Transactions Act, 2063 BS, and the Press Council Act, 2048 BS.

The EC also clarified that anyone can file complaints either in writing, orally, or online at the EC, the Chief Returning Officer's office, the Returning Officer's office, provincial/district election offices, or with the District Code of Conduct Monitoring Officer if they notice activities that could affect the integrity and fairness of the elections.