Kathmandu, October 8
The venues of the Nepali Congress’ 15th General Convention have been covered with campaign materials despite the party’s Election Committee imposing a complete ban on printed and physical publicity.
Voting for the new Central Working Committee is taking place on Thursday, with hundreds of candidates contesting for the posts of president, vice-presidents, general secretaries, joint general secretaries and Central Committee members.
The Election Committee had prohibited candidates from using flashy and extravagant campaign materials, citing the need to keep the convention dignified, economical and disciplined in the aftermath of recent disasters.
Election Committee member-secretary Raju Katuwal had said all forms of extravagant campaigning would be completely prohibited.
Party president Gagan Thapa had also instructed candidates and delegates not to put up campaign materials around the convention venues.
“Let’s not put up campaign materials or paste leaflets around the convention venue. Some have been seen doing so. Let’s remove them. If you do not remove them, our volunteers will,” Thapa said during Wednesday’s closed session.
However, the situation on Thursday was markedly different. Khula Manch, Rastriya Sabha Griha and the Bhrikutimandap area were covered with campaign posters, leaflets and banners.
Posters and pamphlets were pasted across walls and roads, while campaign materials were scattered on the ground as delegates walked over them.
The Election Committee’s code of conduct had completely prohibited the use, display, distribution or pasting of flexes, banners, posters, pamphlets and other printed campaign materials at or around the convention venues.
It had also prohibited physical campaigning outside the convention venue, including in surrounding areas, public roads and other nearby spaces.
The code allowed candidates to use only digital and technology-based methods for campaigning.
Despite these provisions, physical campaign materials have continued to be displayed extensively around the convention venues, contrary to the rules set by the Election Committee.
