The Election Commission on Thursday released the draft election code of conduct, seeking feedback from the political parties and the general people to revise it before bringing it to force.

The code of conduct drafted as per section 22 of the Election Commission is targeted at holding free, impartial and transparent elections in an environment free of fear.

The 49-page do’s and don'ts for the March 5 elections bar the political parties or candidates from production, use, distribution or display of garments or items bearing the election symbol (such as jackets, shirts, vests, T-shirts, caps, scarves, masks, badges, or any other kind of clothing) or stickers, logos, bags, badges, tattoos or similar symbolic materials.

The code of conduct that will come into effect after incorporating the feedback, states that no government, semi-government, or public institution, school, or university premises may be used for gatherings, campaigns, or publicity purposes. The use of children in election campaigns is prohibited.

No rallies, assemblies, or public meetings that obstruct public transportation are allowed for campaigning purposes. It is prohibited to spread false, misleading, or divisive information on social media. Likewise, creating fake accounts or false content on social media that could negatively affect the election is not allowed. It also bars any governments from conducting foundation stone-laying or inauguration ceremonies during this period.

Except for employees mobilised for election purposes, no transfers of staff will be permitted.

Government employees, teachers, and staff of schools and universities are not allowed to participate in election campaigns. Election campaigning is allowed only from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm and the parties or candidates cannot use banners larger than 3 feet by 4 feet in size.

As per the draft election code, one candidate is allowed to use only two vehicles for campaigning. The commission has proposed allowing the parties to publish advertisements in newspapers but only one per day.

“On FM radio and television, a party may broadcast its campaign materials only four times within 24 hours,” reads a point in the draft code of conduct. The election commission has proposed a 48-hour silence before election day.

If the current draft does not change, a Central Monitoring Committee consisting of 11 members will be formed under the leadership of an election commissioner. It will have representations from different ministries and security forces. Similarly, at the district level, a District Monitoring Committee will be formed under the leadership of the Chief District Election Commissioner.

Those who violate the code of conduct may face action, including a fine of up to 100,000 rupees or cancellation of their candidacy. In addition, a decision may be made to bar them from contesting elections for up to six years.

“We have sent it to all the political parties and published it on our website for feedback,” said Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, spokesperson for the commission. “It will be finalised and published in the national gazette before it comes into force.”

The brief discussions over the code of conduct was held in the commission’s meeting with the representatives from different political parties on Thursday. During the meeting the leaders from different parties had diverse opinions on it.

Prem Suwal, a Nepal Majdoor Kisan Party leader, demanded shortening of the campaigning days. As per broad plan, there will be 40 days from the day of nomination to the polling. Even as the commission says there will be 15-days of campaigning, actual publicity begins from the nomination day, he said.

He argued that both the commission and the government must ensure security guarantees for free and fair elections.

“The commission should hold discussions with the National Security Council and make clear what the security situation across the country is,” he said.

During the discussions, leaders of the participating political parties expressed their concerns regarding election preparations as well as issues of peace and security. Mukti Pradhan, a leader of the Nepali Communist Party, said that elections must be held within the stipulated time and suggested creating a supportive environment.

Prakash Adhikari, a leader of the Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal, said that it is challenging to hold elections under the current circumstances and that they had taken updates on the ongoing preparations.