Chief Election Commissioner Ayodhee Prasad Yadav has expressed his dissatisfaction at the Election Commission’s “lack of authority” over crucial poll matters.

Speaking at an interaction organised in his home district Saptari on Wednesday, Yadav expressed his regret that the EC lacks authority to schedule or postpone the elections or to make a financial decision. “The commission has been working in a difficult situation,” he said.

In another context, CEC Yadav warned political leaders of stern action for breaching the election code of conduct in the parliamentary and provincial elections scheduled for November 26 and December 7. He asserted that election officers would strictly monitor compliance of the election code.

Yadav directed the local administration to take action against teachers of government schools and campuses if they are caught campaigning for party candidates.

He instructed the chief district officer to punish the teachers by detaining them if they are found canvassing for votes.

CEC Yadav requested party leaders to respect the election code of conduct. He would hold the central leadership answerable if their candidates and cadres breach the code of conduct at the local level. Those violating the code would be fined up to Rs100,000.

Claiming that the elections will be held on schedule, Yadav said it was impossible to postpone the vote.