Election Commission Seeks Explanation From Five Candidates Including Balen, Harka, and Mahesh

Kathmandu — Nepal’s Election Commission has asked five candidates to submit clarifications.

The Commission sought explanations from Balen, Harka Sampang, Nicholas Bhusal, Mahesh Basnet, and Januka Pathak.

According to the Commission, Balen was asked for clarification after making public remarks calling CPN-UML chair KP Sharma Oli a “murderer,” which was deemed to violate the election code of conduct. Balen had rejected an open appeal by Oli for a public debate among candidates, linking his response to the Gen Z movement and saying he would not debate with a “killer.” Complaints filed on this issue prompted the Commission’s action. Balen and Oli are both contesting the election from Jhapa-5.

Harka Sampang, chair of the Shram Sanskriti Party and candidate from Sunsari-1, was asked for clarification over allegations that he used children in campaign activities and had them wear T-shirts for promotion.

The Commission asked Mahesh Basnet, CPN-UML secretary and candidate from Bhaktapur-2, to explain comments in which he referred to Balen with a disrespectful term.

Nicholas Bhusal, running as an independent from Rupandehi-2, was asked to clarify his promotion of Gen Z movement’s iconic shoes as an election symbol.

Januka Pathak, an independent candidate from Bhaktapur-2, was asked to explain allegedly hateful and derogatory remarks, including calling another candidate a “murderer” and “rapist.”

In addition to these five candidates, the Commission has also sought clarification from the Health Volunteers Association for holding a meeting without authorization after the code of conduct was in effect and from authorities in connection with a teacher transfer issue.