KATHMANDU: Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ramprasad Bhandari has expressed confidence that all stakeholders will support the Election Commission in conducting the upcoming House of Representatives election in a peaceful, fair, and fear-free environment.

Speaking at an interaction program on “Effective Implementation of the Election Code of Conduct and the Role of Stakeholders,” jointly organized by the Election Commission and Nepal Law Society in Biratnagar, Bhandari emphasized that maximum public participation will make the election historic and celebratory.

He warned that anyone violating the election code of conduct will face action and urged all political parties and candidates to engage in the election process with restraint while strictly adhering to laws and procedures.

Bhandari also reminded participants that vehicles with Indian number plates are prohibited for election campaigning and urged parties and candidates to remain vigilant. Highlighting the Commission’s plan to hold the elections cost-effectively, he appealed to stakeholders to manage expenses within prescribed limits.

Koshi Province Minister for Internal Affairs and Law, Indramani Parajuli, assured that the provincial government would leave no stone unturned in supporting the Commission’s commitment to peaceful, fair, and credible elections.

Tourism, Forest, and Environment Minister Bhim Parajuli suggested establishing a dedicated mechanism to monitor the code of conduct and reiterated the province’s commitment to a safe and impartial election process.

Province Chief Secretary Rajendra Prasad Paudel expressed confidence that all political parties and candidates would comply with the code of conduct.

Administrative Director of the organizer, Ganeshman Pradhan, and Provincial Election Officer Cholaraj Dangol stressed the need for full adherence to the code to ensure a transparent, fear-free, and fair election.

The program saw participation from heads of security agencies, chief and district election officers, legal experts, human rights activists, and media representatives from across the province.