Siraha, February 26
Although the Election Commission has called for the upcoming March 5 election to be conducted in a clean, fair, and dignified manner, violations of the code of conduct have increased in Madhesh.
The Commission has issued directives prohibiting flamboyant displays, musical processions, and the hanging of party flags in public places. However, violations of the code of conduct have not stopped.
Contrary to the Commission’s directives, party flags and campaign materials have been openly displayed in various places in Siraha.
Party flags have been placed on roads, intersections, and other public areas in Golbazar, Choharwa, Naya Chowk Choharwa, Naraha–Bishnupur, and surrounding areas.
A resident, Ram Udgar Sah, expressed concern that despite written instructions from the government and the Commission not to engage in flamboyant activities, party leaders and independent candidates have failed to comply.
He warned that the silence of the concerned authorities could create risks of influencing voters in various ways. He demanded timely and effective monitoring to curb such activities.
Meanwhile, Chief District Officer of Siraha, Surendra Poudel, said that monitoring would be conducted regarding door-to-door vote solicitation with musical processions and the hanging of flags in public places.
“Political parties themselves should understand this,” he said.
Chief District Officer Poudel added that if parties fail to comply despite official correspondence, the police will be mobilised to remove the flags and halt the use of musical processions.
