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Election programmes obstructed; major parties violating code of conduct: Report

Continuing their forceful activities, Maoists have obstructed the political programme of CPN-UML in Rukum, a remote district in the mid-western region.

Maoists obstructed the programme when the UML candidate for constituency number 1 reached Kanda village development committee for publicity of the CA polls. Maoists obstructed their programme and warned them not to enter the area saying it is their base area. Reports said a Maoist cadre, Harka Gharti, threatened the owner of the shop, where UML leaders and cadres intended to stay, not to give shelter. Following the incident, UML leaders changed their route for Rangsi VDC.

Similarly, Maoists also created obstacles in a publicity campaign of UML in Hekuli area of Dang when the latter reached the area to organise a publicity meeting. Maoists snatched the party flag from the vehicle used for the publicity of UML. However, UML cadres organized the programme despite the Maoist obstruction.

Meanwhile, a report released by National Election Observation Committee (NEOC) said that political parties are not following the code of conduct in Surkhet district.

The report said that despite prohibition by the Election Commission and it being a breach of the election code of conduct, political parties have not erased graffiti in various places and also used posters for election publicity.

The report said that all the major political parties are involved in breach of code of conduct. The NEOC also warned that reluctance of the political parties to abide by the code of conduct could also affect the election of the constituent assembly.

Though the EC could slap up to 100 thousand rupees and may suspend the candidacy of the person involved in the breach of code of conduct, the EC had not taken any action against any political parties or candidate despite repeated reports of breach of code of conduct. nepalnews.com Mar 22 08