The Election Commission has enforced the election code of conduct starting today, November 17, for the upcoming local-level by-election. Joint Secretary and Spokesperson for the Election Commission Nita Pokharel Aryal stated that the code applies to individuals, organizations, and officials holding public office in the districts where the by-elections will take place. The code will remain in effect until the election concludes on December 1.

The code of conduct is applicable to a wide range of entities, including the Government of Nepal, provincial governments, local executive bodies, constitutional bodies, public officeholders, security agencies, semi-government organizations, and their respective employees. Political parties, candidates, their representatives, media organizations, private and non-governmental entities, schools, colleges, universities, and their staff are also required to adhere to the rules.

Development partner organizations, government and semi-government projects, cooperatives, financial institutions, commercial sectors, and other entities specified by the Commission are likewise bound by the code.

The Election Commission emphasized that the code of conduct is both a legal and moral responsibility for all. It urged stakeholders to follow the guidelines to ensure the election is conducted freely, fairly, and credibly. The commission encouraged citizens to report violations through verbal, written, electronic, or social media complaints, promising to take action against offenders.

Nominations for the December 1 by-election are being registered today, November 17, from 10 AM to 5 PM at the offices of election officers in the respective local levels. Elections are being held to fill 44 vacant positions, including two District Coordination Committee heads, two Rural Municipality chairpersons, four vice-chairpersons, one Municipality mayor, one deputy mayor, and 34 ward chairpersons. -- RSS