EC seeks clarification from Koshi Chief Minister

KATHMANDU: The Election Commission (EC) has sought an explanation from Koshi Province Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki for an alleged violation of the election code of conduct.

The EC sought explanation from Karki after various online media outlets published news reports claiming that Karki was present at the Jhapa-5 election office when CPN-UML Chairperson KP Sharma Oli filed his nominations.

The letter sent by the EC states that the participation of a person holding the office of a provincial chief minister in the nomination process of a candidate for the House of Representatives constitutes a violation of Clause (a) of Section 5 of the Election Code of Conduct, 2022.

The letter, signed by the EC’s legal officer Mohan Raj Joshi, asks Karki to clarify whether he participated in the nomination program.

Chief Minister Karki has been instructed to submit a written explanation to the EC, either personally or through a representative, within three days of receiving the letter.