The Election Commission has sought clarification from Koshi Province Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki over an alleged violation of the election code of conduct.

The commission sent the notice after finding that Karki allegedly attended the nomination process of former prime minister and CPN-UML chair KP Sharma Oli, who filed his candidacy from Jhapa-5 for the House of Representatives elections.

The notice was issued based on reports published in various online media outlets.

Under Section 5(a) of the Election Code of Conduct, 2026, chief ministers and other provincial ministers are prohibited from participating in election campaigning or nomination processes.