KATHMANDU: Officiating Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari has vowed a strict enforcement of the election code of conduct. Anyone involved in violation of code shall be subjected to punishment, he reminded.

Inaugurating the two-day orientation on election conduct and management for the chief returning officer and voting officers today, Chief Election Commissioner Bhandari reiterated the urgency of strict adherence to code of conduct.

He sought further seriousness from the political parties and their candidates in terms of enforcement of the code of conduct. For this to happen, even the chief returning officer and election officer should remain alert, according to him.

Bhandari further reminded that the code this time is not like that of 2079 election which was lax.

The persons frustrating voting should not be spared, he underscored, urging the participants to remain aware of the political activities and of observers as well. The relevant law counts much for ensuring the election free and fair, he added.

Meanwhile, in the similar programme held in Chitwan today, Election Commissioner Sagun Shamser JBR said there is no option before the country but go for election to the House of Representatives in the slated date.

In the orientation programme, he said the election atmosphere should be created with utmost cooperation and coordination.

JBR reminded that all sides concerned including political parties, candidates, media, observers and security persons should work in tandem to hold the election in a free and fair atmosphere. The Election Commission has procured seven sorts of goods via government agencies for the election purpose, JBR shared.

Chief returning officers, election officers and province and district election officers from 17 districts attended the orientation held in Chitwan.