Major political parties are found violating the election code of conduct enforced for the by-election of two local bodies in Sankhuwasabha district.

Government employees, elected representatives and party activists have been using government vehicles during their campaigning runs.

Stakeholders have complained that the local administration and the office of the chief election officer have failed to act against the violators.

“We have informed the office of the chief election officer regarding the violation of election code of conduct, but the office has not taken any concrete step to enforce the code of conduct effectively. Government vehicles are being used in the publicity campaigns of political parties,” complained Dipak Khadka, who is also a former state minister. He claimed that the authorities concerned did not take action even when the ruling party was found using government vehicles during the election campaign in Makalu Rural Municipality.

The by-election is to be held to elect the chief of Makalu Rural Municipality and the ward chief of Khandbari Municipality Ward No. 3. The polls are scheduled for November 30.

Nurbu Sherpa, a candidate for the chief of Makalu Rural Municipality from Samajbadi Party Nepal, complained that major political parties and their activists have openly violated the election code of conduct, but the authorities have turned a blind eye to the breach.

Chief District Officer Jiban Prasad Dulal admitted that his office has received complaints regarding the violation of poll code of conduct.

“We will find out which government vehicles and motorcycles have been used in poll campaigns and take action accordingly,” he said. “We will also take action against the chief of the line office if we establish that government vehicles are being used in campaigns.”

Chief Election Officer Shanti Prasad Acharya also echoed Dulal’s sentiments but did not have any specific answer in regards to unchecked violations of the election code of conduct in the district.