KATHMANDU: The Election Commission (EC) has sought explanations from five election candidates for allegedly violating the election code of conduct.

Those asked to clarify their actions include Balendra Shah (Balen) of Jhapa Constituency No. 5, Harka Sampang of Sunsari Constituency No. 1, Kamal Bhusal (Nicholous) of Rupandehi Constituency No. 2, Mahesh Basnet of Bhaktapur Constituency No. 2, and Januka Pathak from the same constituency.

According to the Commission, Shah has been asked to explain a comment he made on social media regarding content posted by another candidate, KP Sharma Oli. Bhusal has been questioned over the promotion of shoes linked to the “Gen Z Protest,” allegedly used as an election symbol. Sampang has been asked to respond to allegations of involving children in campaign activities and dressing them in promotional T-shirts.

Basnet has been asked for clarification over accusations of making derogatory remarks against Shah, while Pathak has been summoned following a complaint over alleged hateful comments directed at a candidate, using terms such as “murderer” and “rapist.”