Code flouted in election rush

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JANAKPURDHAM, NOV 02 -

Pariwar Dal Chairman Eknath Dhakal chartered a helicopter to come to Rautahat for an election campaign in Chandranigahpur on Tuesday. During his three-day stay in the district, Dhakal used over a dozen vehicles, apart from hosting parties daily for locals and cadres.

Shambu Shrestha, the UCPN (Maoist) candidate for Sarlahi-1, has been organising feasts for hundreds during his door-to-door campaign.

These are but a few cases that illustrate the rampant violation of the election code of conduct in central Tarai.

Despite several directives and requests from the Election Commission (EC), violation of the election code is on the rise in mid-Madhes.

As the polling day nears, there is candidates strive to outwit opponents in publicity campaigns and to woo voters using methods rejected by the electoral law and the code.

The use of loudspeakers, posters and flags in public places and paying daily allowances to cadres go unchecked. In clear violation of the code, Janakpurdham and Kalaiya are full of colour posters and banners.

Lawmakers who did not pay much attention to developing their constituency while in a position to do so are investing their own money on road construction and other works. Road works are in full swing in Malangawa Municipality. In Sarlahi-4 where the municipality lies, Rajendra Mahato, chairman of Sadbhawana Party, and Mahendra Raya Yadav, chairman of Tarai Madhes Sadbhawana Party, are contesting.

The candidates say their strategy and the size of funds depends on their  opponents’ tactics. “Our campaign and resource mobilisation reflect how opponents act,” said Krishna Yadav, district chairman of Nepali Congress contesting from Rautahat-4. “I’ll have to sell land to manage poll expenditures as it’ll cost me beyond my expectation.” Sanghiya Sadbhawana Party Chairman Anil Jha said he tried to cut costs as per EC criteria but had to spend more as his opponents were splashing money. Many other candidates say their budget exceeds the EC limit of Rs 1 million.

Party leaders say cash and saris will be widely distributed during the Chhath festival to influence the vote. Analyst Chandrakishore says cash and criminal activities will rise in the days ahead and they are often the deciding factors in election .