Clarification sought for violating code of conduct

The Election Commission has today asked three candidates and eight government employees for an explanation for campaigning during the silent period and thereby violating the code of conduct.

The commission asked the concerned to explain within 24 hours. The candidate of CPN (Unified Socialist) Krishna Kumar Shrestha in Bara constituency no. 4 and Jitendra Sonal, the candidate of the Democratic Socialist Party for the Member of the Provincial Assembly for the same constituency 4 (2) have been asked for an explanation for continuing with campaigning even after the start of the silent period.

Similarly, the Commission has sought clarification from Surya Bahadur Thapa, a candidate for the member of the House of Representatives on behalf of the CPN (UML) from Pyuthan district, for the second time. The Commission has asked Thapa for an explanation that Meen Bahadur Budha (Bhelubaje) was given Rs 2,000 to promote his election campaign.

The Commission has also asked the Secretary of the Ministry of Urban Development Dr. Ramesh Singh for an explanation. Secretary Singh has been asked to explain that he went to Dang and indulged in activities to influence the voters. An explanation has also been asked from the mayor and chief administrative officer of Chhipharmai rural municipality in Parsa.

Similarly, Sudarshan Basnet of Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital Maharajgunj, Deputy Professor Ichchapoorna Rai and Kiran Ghimire of Dhankuta Multiple Campus, Hema Bhatt of Dadeldhura Campus have been asked for clarification for violating the election code of conduct.

The Commission has also asked Rishi Pudasaini, a teacher of Panchakanya Secondary School of Indrasarovar Rural Municipality-4, Makwanpur, for an explanation for taking part in the political activities.

Similarly, the Commission today imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 on the candidate of Gandaki Provincial Assembly Member Manang (2) and Minister of Youth and Sports of Gandaki Province Rajeev Gurung.