The National Human Rights Commission has commented that the election code of conduct has not been fully complied with. The commission made this comment after the approval. 

In the context of the House of Representatives elections to be held on Falgun 21, the commission has formed monitoring teams and stated that the code of conduct was not being followed after conducting pre-election monitoring in 42 districts. In a statement issued by spokesperson Tikaram Pokharel,  ‘During the pre-election monitoring conducted by the commission, it has been found that the candidates have not fully complied with the election code of conduct. In various parts of the country, children have participated in rallies and meetings, journalists have been threatened and beaten, and election symbols have been used in a physical manner contrary to the code of conduct.’ 

The monitoring team deployed from the central and provincial offices of the commission had also discussed with the Chief Election Officer, Chief District Officer and security agencies on the election preparations made by the office of the Returning Officer, the status of compliance with the code of conduct, and the state of peace and security. During the monitoring, the commission also took information from political parties, candidates and voters.

The commission has stated that it will form various monitoring teams across the country on the upcoming election day, Falgun 21. ‘It was observed that promotional materials and flags were hung in people’s houses without permission, local body and provincial government officials participated in election campaigning, candidates used more vehicles without permission, attempts were made to exert undue influence on voters, party workers and supporters abused each other through misuse of social media,’ the commission’s statement said, ‘Facts such as the inability to reach marginalized communities with adequate voter education have been found. However, the commission has positively taken note of issues such as mutual goodwill between party leaders and candidates, security alertness of security agencies, and election preparations by election officials and local administration.’ 

As everyone's role is important in conducting the upcoming elections peacefully, fearlessly and in a human rights-friendly manner, the Commission has requested all parties to exercise patience and restraint, not to misuse social media, and not to produce and publish/broadcast abusive content.