With March 5 elections looming, Nepal’s Election Commission (EC) is in the hot seat. The Election Observation Committee (NEOC) has blasted the EC’s report on code of conduct violations, accusing it of inaction despite mounting complaints. NEOC leaders are poised to approach the Supreme Court unless punitive steps are taken immediately.
The targeted code kicked in on January 19, shaped by party talks and public feedback. Over the next 35 days, scores of reports poured in. The EC responded to 79 with clarification requests—nine repeated for persistent offenders—but stopped short of penalties.
Media outlet Kathmandu Post detailed how letters were dispatched, spotlighting Rashtriya Swatantra Party’s Ashika Tamang in Dhading-1. Her alleged school campaigning and use of children prompted dual summonses, both inadequately addressed per the EC, yet no fines or bans ensued.
NEOC’s Gopal Krishna Siwakoti painted a grim picture: ‘Physical rallies are down, but social media mischief is rising—far riskier.’ He called for exemplary punishments now. Fellow chief Krishna Subedi dismissed declining numbers as no excuse, vowing judicial recourse if the EC shirks responsibility.
This controversy underscores the challenges of policing modern campaigns in Nepal. As digital platforms amplify violations, the EC must prove its mettle to safeguard democracy. Failure could lead to legal showdowns, casting a shadow over the polls.