Kathmandu: With only eight days remaining until the election, anyone found obstructing election campaigning by a different political party or candidate may face a fine of up to NPR 200,000.
According to federal law, any individual who interferes with or prevents others from exercising their right to campaign or vote—whether by creating obstacles, inciting obstruction, or engaging in unlawful detention—may be subject to a fine of NPR 200,000, imprisonment for up to three years, or both, the Election Commission stated.
The Commission noted that it has been monitoring election campaign activities of political parties and candidates participating in the House of Representatives elections through various channels. It reported receiving complaints and grievances alleging that campaign activities of certain political parties or candidates have been obstructed in different ways by rival parties, their cadres, or members of the public.
The Commission further stated that it has taken serious note of such incidents, including those reported in various media outlets. An Election Code of Conduct has already been issued, outlining the responsibilities of political parties, candidates, their affiliated organizations, and concerned individuals. The Code explicitly prohibits disrupting or obstructing rallies, mass meetings, assemblies, gatherings, or any other campaign-related programs organized by any political party or candidate.
Under the Election Offences and Punishment Act, it is illegal to obstruct or attempt to obstruct any individual from filing candidacy, engaging in election campaigning, or exercising their right to vote, as guaranteed by prevailing federal laws.
The Commission emphasized that ensuring free, fair, impartial, and fear-free elections is the collective responsibility of political parties, candidates, citizens, and all stakeholders.
It has urged all concerned not to engage in or facilitate any acts that hinder lawful election campaigning, in accordance with prevailing federal election laws.
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