Political parties and candidates are carrying out activities and rallies in Dhading in violation of the Code of Conduct for the House of Representatives member election scheduled for March 5.
According to the Code of Conduct, candidates are not allowed to place flex banners while campaigning outside their offices, but in Ward No. 5 of Galchhi Rural Municipality, a flex banner urging voters to elect candidate Ashika Tamang has been displayed in violation of the Code.
Although the Code of Conduct stipulates that door-to-door programmes cannot be conducted with musical instruments, candidate Nandaprasad Kapri, in violation of the Code, circled Dhadingbesi market playing panchebaja during a door-to-door campaign on February 16
Even though the Election Code of Conduct states that incumbent elected representatives must not participate in campaign activities for candidates, Provincial Assembly member Shalikram Jammarkattel, rural municipality and municipality chiefs and deputy chiefs, as well as ward chairpersons, have been found involved in election campaigning.
Although the use of badges and stickers is not permitted, it has been found that badges, stickers, and caps bearing election symbols are being used in campaign activities by candidates Rajendra Pandey, Ashika Tamang, Ram Bahadur Bhandari, and Bodha Narayan Shrestha.
The Code of Conduct clearly states that coloured posters must not be produced or pasted, but posters of candidate Ram Bahadur Bhandari have been made and put up in the market.
It has been found that leaflets and brochures, which are required to be produced only in one colour on paper of 70 grams — have been printed on thicker, coloured paper and are being distributed in the market during door-to-door campaigns by candidate Nandaprasad Kapri.
Although the Code of Conduct clearly stipulates that development activities such as road construction must not be carried out to influence voters, the road from Aangetari–Phalebhanjyang to Mauwatar in Nilkantha Municipality–12 was excavated overnight using a dozer from 7:00 pm on February 15 until 7:00 am on Falgun 5.
District Code of Conduct Monitoring Officer and Assistant Chief District Officer Mohan Nyaupane stated that after receiving information about activities contrary to the Code of Conduct, efforts were made to remind the candidates, remove campaign materials that violated the Code, and ensure its implementation, and he also urged all citizens to file complaints if they observe activities that go against the Code of Conduct.
