Election Commission Warns Against Code Violations Ahead of HoR Polls; Teachers, Officials Urged to Remain Neutral

With just nine days left for Nepal’s House of Representatives (HoR) elections scheduled for March 5, the Election Commission of Nepal has reiterated strict adherence to the Election Code of Conduct, warning against any form of violation.
In separate statements issued on Monday and Tuesday, the Commission said it had received complaints about the involvement of professors, teachers and government officials in election campaigning. It directed them to maintain neutrality and professional decorum, in line with the Election Code of Conduct, 2082 BS, which is aimed at ensuring free, fair and transparent elections.
EC spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai said the Commission is closely monitoring compliance by political parties, candidates and other stakeholders. He emphasised that Clause 16 of the Education Act 2028 BS, along with provisions of the Election Code of Conduct, clearly prohibits teachers, professors and public officials from engaging in partisan political activities during the election period.
The Commission reminded that the code is binding not only on political parties and candidates but also on the Government of Nepal, federal and provincial ministers, local governments, civil servants, semi-government institutions, public enterprises, media houses, schools, universities, banks, cooperatives, non-governmental organisations, security agencies, constitutional bodies and election observers.
In a separate advisory, the EC urged political parties and candidates not to involve children in election-related activities. Citing complaints, it warned against using minors in rallies, processions, cultural programmes, or for carrying party flags and election symbols. It also directed that campaign events must not be organised near schools during school hours, stressing the need to safeguard children’s rights and maintain a conducive academic environment.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Population Nepal has requested the Commission not to assign health workers to election duties. Ministry spokesperson Dr Prakash Budhathoki said health personnel have been instructed to remain on 24-hour standby to respond to potential accidents, emergencies or other health-related incidents during the polling period.
The Commission has warned that any violation of the code will invite action in accordance with prevailing laws. As campaigning intensifies ahead of the March 5 vote, the EC’s renewed directives signal its intent to strictly enforce electoral discipline and uphold the integrity of the democratic process.
With the HoR polls approaching, authorities appear focused on ensuring that state machinery, educational institutions and essential services remain neutral and fully functional, safeguarding both the credibility of the election and public welfare.