For the Record, from the Campaign Trail

Conducts against the election code of conduct: This ‘Constituent Assembly Member Election 2008 Observation Bulletin’ was prepared by the National Election Monitoring Alliance (NEMA) on April 3, 2008

1. Madheshi Jana Adhikar Forum (MJAF) cadres showed black flag and attacked the NC cadres led by Ms. Sujata Koirala on her way to door-to-door electoral canvassing at Bhantabari, Sunsary on April 3 2008. NC cadres Mr. Sokat Miya sustained with serious head injury and Mr. Sadam Miya’s leg is fractured. One security personnel was injured in the incident.

The above incident draws attention to following code of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 33 – No person shall stop, detain or block any candidate from canvassing election for election by committing such acts as using or showing fear, threat or terror or intimidation or force nor shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to cause direct or indirect impacting the election.

2. CPN UML cadres obstructed the door-to-door election campaign organized by CPN UML candidate Ms. Devi Gyawali at Narayangarh, Chitawan district on April 3, 2008. They also caused damage the vehicle used for the campaign. CPN UML cadres Mr. Prakash Baral and Mr. Chandra Bartaula, including Ms. Bimala Poudel, 75, supporter of CPN UML were sustained injury.

The above incident draws attention to following code of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 33 – No person shall stop, detain or block any candidate from canvassing election for election by committing such acts as using or showing fear, threat or terror or intimidation or force nor shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to cause direct or indirect impacting the election.

3. Local people have handed over three armed YCL cadres to police who attempted to attack Nepal Peasant and Workers Party (NPWP) cadres at Bhaktapur Municipality –9, Bhaktapur district on April 3, 2008. Police has seized a pistol, Khukuri and iron rods from the arrested individuals.

The above incident draws attention to following code of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 13 – In course of election publicity campaigns, carrying of arms and weapons or explosives, or display or use of chemical or poisonous materials, or sticks, spears, Khukuris and the likes of sharp and dangerous nature is prohibited.

4. YCL cadres have beaten Mr. Dinesh Adhikary and Mr. Dilip thapa, RPP cadres at their homes in Kalyanpur, Chitwan district at 17 hours April 3, 2008.

The above incident draws attention to following code of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 33 – No person shall stop, detain or block any candidate from canvassing election for election by committing such acts as using or showing fear, threat or terror or intimidation or force nor shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to cause direct or indirect impacting the election.

5. A clash took place between CPN UML and CPN Maoist cadres in Makha VDC, Sindhupalchowk district on April 3, 2008, where two CPN UML cadres were injured. CPN Maoist further looted CPN UML’s loudspeaker, pamphlet and other publicity materials.

The above incident draws attention to following code of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 33 – No person shall stop, detain or block any candidate from canvassing election for election by committing such acts as using or showing fear, threat or terror or intimidation or force nor shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to cause direct or indirect impacting the election.

6. Nepali Congress (NC) cadres assaulted Mr. Mohammad Miya, independent candidate for Sunsari Constituency – five on April 2, 2008 on his way back to home from electoral canvassing.

The above incident draws attention to following code of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 33 – No person shall stop, detain or block any candidate from canvassing election for election by committing such acts as using or showing fear, threat or terror or intimidation or force nor shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to cause direct or indirect impacting the election.

7. A group of Young Communist League (YCL) cadres consisting 25-30 individuals have assaulted CPN UML cadres and other individuals in Dhaibung-9, Rasuwa district on April 2, 2008 at 2330 hours using Spear, Khukuris and other domestic weapons. Those assaulted CPN UML cadres include Mr. Bishnu Paudel and his wife and daughter, Mr. Chiranjibi Poudel and his wife, a local resident Mr. Sadhuram Paudel and Government employee Mr. Hem Paudel. Mr. Bishnu Paudel’s daughter sustained with her leg fracture. YCL cadres warned them not to take part in the electoral campaign for CPN UML or NNC.

The above incident draws attention to following codes of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 31 – No person shall distract any employee associated with election and the security personnel from responsibility to maintain peace and security from his or her duties by way of showing or exercising any kind of fear, terror, threat or force or showing gratification.

Code No 33 – No person shall stop, detain or block any candidate from canvassing election for election by committing such acts as using or showing fear, threat or terror or intimidation or force nor shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to cause direct or indirect impacting the election.

8. Terai Mukti Morcha (TMM) cadres abducted Mr. Bhrigunath Thakur, independent candidate for Dhanusha Constituency – four from Janakpur Municipality –10, Dhanusha district on April 2, 2008.

The above incident draws attention to following code of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 33 – No person shall stop, detain or block any candidate from canvassing election for election by committing such acts as using or showing fear, threat or terror or intimidation or force nor shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to cause direct or indirect impacting the election.

9. YCL cadres attacked CPN UML cadres on their way to electoral canvassing at Dunsera, Tatopani VDC –3, Jumla district on April 2, 2008. Mr. Hari Krishna Mahat and three other CPN UML cadres were injured where Mr. Mahat is in critical condition.

The above incident draws attention to following code of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 33 – No person shall stop, detain or block any candidate from canvassing election for election by committing such acts as using or showing fear, threat or terror or intimidation or force nor shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to cause direct or indirect impacting the election.

10. CPN Maoist cadres attacked CPN UML contact office at Kebalpur, Dhading district on April 2, 2008. A rally led by Disappeared Citizen’s Society vandalized CPN UML office and damaged party flag and torched party banner.

The above incident draws attention to following codes of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 11 – No pamphlet or election symbol affixed for the purpose of election publicity campaign shall be removed, torn, or got one’s poster posted thereon by any one representing another political party or candidate.

Code No 33 – No person shall stop, detain or block any candidate from canvassing election for election by committing such acts as using or showing fear, threat or terror or intimidation or force nor shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to cause direct or indirect impacting the election.

11. CPN Maoist cadres vandalized Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) contact offices at Meghauli and Madi in Chitwan district on April 2, 2008. Three RPP cadres were injured in the incident. Similarly, CPN Maoist have beaten RPP cadre at Patihani VDC, Chitawan district.

The above incidents draw attention to following code of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 33 – No person shall stop, detain or block any candidate from canvassing election for election by committing such acts as using or showing fear, threat or terror or intimidation or force nor shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to cause direct or indirect impacting the election.

12. CPN Maoist cadres obstructed electoral mass meeting and cultural program organized by CPN UML in Khairani VDC, Chitawan district on April 2, 2008. One CPN UML cadres was injured in the incident.

The above incident draws attention to following code of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 33 – No person shall stop, detain or block any candidate from canvassing election for election by committing such acts as using or showing fear, threat or terror or intimidation or force nor shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to cause direct or indirect impacting the election.

13. A clash took place between CPN UML and CPN Maoist cadres at Simara and Dumkhana VDCs, Bara district on April 2, 2008 while CPN UML candidate for Bara Constituency – six Mr. Purusottam Poudel was in the election canvassing. The incident caused damage to the vehicle used by Mr. Poudel for the electoral campaigning. Four cadres from each side were injured in the incident.

The above incident draws attention to following code of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 33 – No person shall stop, detain or block any candidate from canvassing election for election by committing such acts as using or showing fear, threat or terror or intimidation or force nor shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to cause direct or indirect impacting the election.

14. Mr. Yuvaraj Magar, Chairman, Magar Rastriya Mukti Morcha, (MRMM) closed to CPM Maoist has warned NC Area President Mr. Shalikram Banjara and Mr. Padam Bahadur Pariyar, member, Nepal Dalit Sang not to engage in electoral activities in Suntale VDC, Khatang district from April 2, 2008. Likewise, CPN Maoist cadres have threatened to life to NEMA polling center observer accusing of sending village’s information to the district headquarters. CPN Maoist cadres have also begun to patrol in day and night wearing dresses marked YCL.

The above incidents draw attention to following codes of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 13 – In course of election publicity campaigns, carrying of arms and weapons or explosives, or display or use of chemical or poisonous materials, or sticks, spears, Khukuris and the likes of sharp and dangerous nature is prohibited.

Code No 19 – processions, rallies, mass meeting and other programs of canvassing shall not be allowed to be held at other times except from 7.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m.

Code No 33 – No person shall stop, detain or block any candidate from canvassing election for election by committing such acts as using or showing fear, threat or terror or intimidation or force nor shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to cause direct or indirect impacting the election.

Code No 34 – No person shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to disturb the election or create hatred toward election or create confusion or cause obstruction to election.

15. Ms. Bhawani Ghimire, CPN UML cadre sustained serious injury when a clash took place between CPN UML and CPN Maoist cadres on April 2, 2008 in Dolakha district. Ms. Ghimire is undergoing treatment at Maternity Hospital, Kathmadnu. It is said that UML cadre Mr. Pratap KC beat Ms. Ghimire.

The above incident draws attention to following code of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 33 – No person shall stop, detain or block any candidate from canvassing election for election by committing such acts as using or showing fear, threat or terror or intimidation or force nor shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to cause direct or indirect impacting the election.

16. NC cadres have beaten Mr. Bisho, CPN Maoist district in-charge, Rasuwa on April 1, 2008. Likewise, NC cadres have beaten Mr. Shiva Uprety, staff member of National Civil Servant Organization closed to CPN Maoist.

The above incident draws attention to following code of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 33 – No person shall stop, detain or block any candidate from canvassing election for election by committing such acts as using or showing fear, threat or terror or intimidation or force nor shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to cause direct or indirect impacting the election.

17. CPN Maoist cadres have compelled NC cadres in Aalita, Ajaymeru and Samauni VDCs in Dadeldhura district. As a result, a total of 80 NC cadres, including Mr. Narabhan Kami, candidate for the proportional election system, have fled from villages and staying in district headquarters since April 1, 2008.

The above incident draws attention to following code of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 33 – No person shall stop, detain or block any candidate from canvassing election for election by committing such acts as using or showing fear, threat or terror or intimidation or force nor shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to cause direct or indirect impacting the election.

18. A clash has taken place between CPN UML and CPN Maoist cadres at Lalpur, Udeypur district on April 1, 2008 while UML leader KP Oli was on his way back from electoral mass meeting. Similarly, CPN Maoist cadres have pelted stones at the vehicle used by Mr. Baldev Chaudhary, UML candidate.

In Udeypur, YCL cadres demonstrated weapons.

The above incident draws attention to following code of ‘The Code of Conduct on Election to Members of the Constituent Assembly 2007’:

Code No 13 – In course of election publicity campaigns, carrying of arms and weapons or explosives, or display or use of chemical or poisonous materials, or sticks, spears, Khukuris and the likes of sharp and dangerous nature is prohibited.

Code No 16 – No political party or candidate or their supporters shall disturb or obstruct any procession or mass meeting organized by another party or candidate.

Code No 33 – No person shall stop, detain or block any candidate from canvassing election for election by committing such acts as using or showing fear, threat or terror or intimidation or force nor shall do, or caused to be done, any act in such a manner as to cause direct or indirect impacting the election.