Private Sector Pledges Support for Election Code Compliance and Voter Education

Private sector associations have pledged to support the Election Commission in ensuring compliance with the election code of conduct and promoting voter education ahead of the upcoming polls.

Stakeholders made the commitment during a discussion held on Tuesday between the Election Commission and representatives of private sector organisations.

Speaking at the event, Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari said holding elections was essential to restore normalcy in the country following the Gen-Z movement. He stressed that election is necessary to bring the country back on track and that cooperation from all stakeholders was crucial to that end.

Bhandari also urged all parties to refrain from a “political backbiting” and reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to enforcing the election code of conduct. He said the commission has adopted a policy of using domestically produced materials as much as possible during elections, noting that 37 types of materials are currently sourced locally.

The commission aims to conduct the elections in a cost-effective manner, Bhandari said, adding that only Rs 675 million has been spent on purchasing new materials, while previously used materials will be reused.

Election Commission Secretary Krishna Bahadur Raut called on the private sector to actively support compliance with the election code of conduct.

Election commissioners Dr Janaki Kumari Tuladhar and Sagun Shumsher Rana, along with Joint Secretary Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, were also present at the discussion.

Speaking on behalf of the private sector, Nepal Chamber of Commerce President Kamlesh Kumar Agrawal suggested stricter monitoring of code compliance and immediate action against violations. He reaffirmed the chamber’s commitment to supporting both code enforcement and voter education initiatives.

Similarly, Anjan Shrestha, senior vice-president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), said political stability and policy clarity were essential to creating an investment-friendly environment, adding that timely elections and a stable government were key.

Shrestha said the provision requiring election expenses to be channelled through the banking system was appropriate and pledged FNCCI’s support—through its central office and member organisations—for code compliance and voter education.

Umesh Prasad Singh, president of the Federation of Nepalese Cottage and Small Industries, also emphasised strict enforcement of the election code and expressed commitment to collaborating with the commission on voter education.

Representatives from the tourism and hospitality sector raised operational concerns during the election period. Hotel Association Nepal President Binayak Shah called for a facilitative environment to ensure smooth transportation of foreign tourists within the country. Restaurant and Bar Association of Nepal President Sangharsha Bista said his organisation was ready to support the commission on code compliance and voter awareness.

Ram Chandra Sedhain, chief executive officer of the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN), urged the commission to simplify procedures for obtaining permission to manage tourists visiting Nepal during the election period.

Meanwhile, Urmila Shrestha, managing director of Salt Trading Corporation, drew the commission’s attention to the use of the national flag in election campaigns and noise pollution affecting communities. She pledged support through district offices and the corporation’s website on election-related matters.

Ghanshyam Ojha, director general of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries, said the organisation would disseminate information on the election code of conduct across all seven provinces and districts and assist the commission in its implementation.

Representing women entrepreneurs, Mallika Shrestha, an executive member of the Federation of Women Entrepreneurs, urged the commission to prioritise the use of products made by women entrepreneurs during elections and stressed the need for voter education programmes targeting women.

At the programme, Election Commission’s Joint Secretary Gyan Hari Ghimire briefed participants on various aspects of the election process, including the voter roll, polling centres and stations, voter education, election information dissemination, coordination mechanisms and election observation.