EC will scrap candidacy if found unnecessarily partying and distributing money: CEC Yadav

‘TAKE MINIMAL BREACH OF ELECTION CODE OF CONDUCT AS ELECTION ENTHUSIASM’

KATHMANDU, Sept 13: Chief Election Commissioner Dr Ayodhee Prasad Yadav has warned that the Election Commission will scrap candidacy if any candidate was found organizing unnecessary feasts in name of election campaign and distributing money to woo votes.

Speaking at an interaction program organized by the Reporters’ Club Nepal on Wednesday, CEC Yadav said, “We have heard reports of candidates spending lavishly name of election campaign but we haven’t found any proofs yet. If anybody sends the EC ample proofs of gross violation, we will scrap their candidacy.” He however said that the partying in Madhes should not be understood otherwise as it was the time of festivals.

Yadav also said that the EC was aware of the current expansion of cabinet while the election code of conduct was in effect. “Sher Bahadur Deuba is the Prime Minister. What can we do? It is not true that the EC has ignored the prime minister’s activities.”

“We cannot fine the prime minister. But it doesn’t mean the EC is helpless or weak.”

He brought the context of an anonymous leader’s recent comment that Deuba’s cabinet expansion was a ‘transitional cabinet’, and furthered, “Even the PM has said that it’s a compulsion as the country is under political transition. So the EC doesn’t want to drag it any further.”

“At present, the EC is completely focused on successfully conducting the elections.”

CEC Yadav also appealed all the political leaders, parties, and candidates to abide by the election code of conduct. He, however, said that there were some reports of breaching of election code of conduct. But they the ‘degree of violation is very low, he added.

“We have taken such minimal breaching as election enthusiasm. People are excited about the upcoming election. I request the media to relate nominal violation as excitement in people,” he added.

“It doesn’t mean that the EC is passive about such issues. We have deployed inspection teams there. They are assessing strictly.”

On the occasion, Yadav also shared that the election officers were active in providing voters education throughout Terai-Madhes.

He also assured that the security was tightened the EC was committed to conduct the election in free, fearless and fail manner.