KATHMANDU: The Election Commission (EC) has urged political parties, candidates and the members of the public not to obstruct election campaign related activities of any other party or candidate.

Issuing a press statement on Tuesday, the EC made the appeal to refrain from such activities following the complaints and grievances from political parties and candidates contesting the March 5 election to the House of Representatives, alleging that some parties and candidates had obstructed election campaign.

In the press statement issued by Spokesperson of the Commission, Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, the Commission said that its attention has been drawn towards such activities which came to its notice through various social media.

The Commission also mentioned that it has been monitoring election campaign activities through various means.

Furthermore, the constitutional body responsible for conducting and monitoring election cautioned that such activities are prohibited by the Clause 13, Sub-clause (1), Section (e) of the Election Code of Conduct-2082 BS.

The statement referred to the provision that stipulates that no one is allowed to disturb or block the procession, public meetings, corner meetings, gatherings or any other events organized by political parties, electoral candidates or their affiliated organizations.

Spokesperson Bhattarai also reminded that under the Election (Offences and Punishment) Act-2073 BS, anyone found obstructing candidacy filing, conducting election campaign, barring voters from casting ballot could face a fine upto Rs 200,000 and imprisonment of upto three years or both.

The Commission asserted that it is a shared responsibility of political parties, candidate hopefuls, general public and stakeholders to ensure that the upcoming election is held in a free, fair and free-free environment and thus called upon all concerned stakeholders not to engage in such disruptive activities.

The Commission clarified that any actions that obstructs or prevent anyone from conducting election campaign in compliance with the prevailing federal laws is considered as a violation of Election Code of Conduct.