Feb 02, Kathmandu - The Election Commission has sought clarification from nine more people who violated the election code of conduct. The commission had sought clarification from 21 people till Saturday, and nine more clarifications were sought on Sunday and Monday.

According to the commission's assistant spokesperson Kul Bahadur GC, the clarification was sought after a complaint was received that Hemraj Thapa, a candidate of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in Bajura, had come to the Chief Minister's Office and used insulting and threatening language targeting Bagmati Province Chief Minister Indra Bahadur Baniya, in connection with the Martadi-Kolti road construction project contracted by PS Baniya JV, and had also posted it on social media.

Did you make insulting, threatening and abusive statements regarding Bagmati Province Chief Minister Baniya? Did you follow the provisions of the Election Code of Conduct, 2082, as mentioned in the complaint? GC said that candidate Thapa was asked for clarification.

Spokesperson GC said that a response has been sought from Bajura candidate Thapa within three days as per Section 21, Clause (f), and Sub-Section (1) of Section 25 of the Election Code of Conduct, 2082. The Commission has written to the Press Council Nepal for action against various individuals and media outlets that publish and broadcast misleading/unrestricted messages targeting election candidates.

Similarly, the Commission has sought an explanation from Balendra Shah, a candidate from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Jhapa-5, for the second time on Sunday. The Commission has stated that the second explanation was sought because audio-visual material was received showing plainclothes police officers asking for votes from Balendra. The Commission has sought an explanation regarding what happened to Shah's wife during his election campaign. The Commission has sought an explanation from Shah, seeking a response within three days.

The Nepali Communist Party has sought clarification from the House of Representatives member Sindhupalchowk -1 regarding the painting of its party's election symbol outside the election office in violation of the election code of conduct. What is the nature of the complaint? If it is proven that the party's election symbol was displayed in violation of the provisions of the code of conduct, why should the district working committee of that party not be subject to action under the prevailing election law? The Commission has also sought clarification from Madhav Sapkota, the candidate from the same constituency, regarding the same issue.

Similarly, the Commission has also sought clarification from Rudra Giri, Mangal Praja and Ashok Tamani. The Commission has received responses to 14 of the 29 clarifications it has sought so far, spokesperson GC said.