The Election Commission has fined two candidates and a political party for violating the election code of conduct.

The central code of conduct monitoring committee imposed a Rs25,000 fine each on Nepali Communist Party candidate Shakti Bahadur Basnet and independent candidate Dr Kamal Bhusal, also known as Nicholas Bhusal.

The Shram Sanskriti Party was also fined Rs25,000.

Sagun Shumsher J.B. Rana, a member of the commission who leads the committee, said the penalties came after the candidates’ explanations were deemed unsatisfactory.

“We have fined two candidates and one political party Rs25,000 each. Two employees have been warned,” he said, adding that the commission directed an institution to reinstate an employee dismissed for ignoring the code.

Around 300 candidates nationwide have been asked for clarifications. 

The commission has written to Press Council Nepal to act on alleged code violations by media outlets and journalists. Rana warned the commission may intervene if the council does not respond within days.