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The Election Commission has issued an eight-point directive to local levels where by-elections are scheduled for December 1, 2024, instructing them to remain prepared to facilitate the electoral process. On November 18, the Election Commission issued a statement directing local levels, where by-elections are being held, to keep physical infrastructure and vehicles ready.

Commission spokesperson Nita Pokhrel Aryal informed that the directive includes ensuring the readiness of auditoriums, guesthouses, vehicles, and electronic equipment through proper maintenance. The Election Commission has also urged the local levels to ensure the maintenance and protection of voting centers. The commission additionally highlighted the need to arrange for water supply, toilets, electricity, communication, alternative access routes, roads, bridges, compound walls, and fencing. There should be efforts to make these facilities as friendly to senior citizens, women, and individuals with disabilities as possible. The Election Commission has also urged the Nepal Government, provincial government-controlled institutions, and local levels to ensure the maintenance and proper condition of infrastructure and physical resources under their control. The Commission has requested arrangements to use these resources as needed for the by-election tasks at the local levels.

The Election Commission has also reminded local levels to update the details of their staff, as employees stationed at local levels can be deployed during the by-elections as per legal provisions. The Commission has emphasized ensuring their immediate availability when required for election purposes. It has been stated that political parties and candidates are prohibited from using, encroaching upon, misusing, or causing damage to any government, public, or community property. The directive also restricts the use of land, buildings, furniture, transportation, or any other physical resources owned, controlled, or operated under grants by local levels or community schools. Additionally, the election-related promotional materials published on its website should be delivered to voters promptly. It also informed that local levels must adhere to the code of conduct enforced by the Commission and are prohibited from forming consumer committees, launching new projects, or conducting inaugurations until the by-elections are concluded.

As per the Election Code of Conduct, 2022, the local executive, its officials, and employees working under the regional levels and their bodies must fully comply with the prescribed code of conduct. Any actions contrary to the code must be addressed through appropriate measures, and the details of such actions must be reported to the office of the concerned Election Officer and the Election Commission.

 

Parbati Saud