Kathmandu: With 74 days remaining until the House of Representatives (HoR) elections scheduled for March 5, the Election Commission has proposed strict provisions regulating the use of vehicles during election campaigning.

According to the proposed code of conduct, candidates will not be allowed to use vehicles for election-related activities without prior permission. Vehicles used without authorization for campaigning or for displaying election materials will be seized, and legal action will be taken. Traffic police or other security personnel will be authorized to confiscate such vehicles and report the matter to the District Code of Conduct Approval Committee.

With approval from the returning officer, a candidate will be permitted to use a maximum of two vehicles—two-wheelers, three-wheelers, or four-wheelers—as specified by the Commission within the concerned constituency or designated area. In regions where motor vehicles are not feasible, up to four horses may be used for transportation.

The proposed code also prohibits the use of vehicles with foreign registration plates and bans any alteration to the appearance of permitted vehicles. Vehicles granted permission cannot be used by other political parties or candidates, nor can they be used to transport voters.

However, exceptions have been proposed for voters who face mobility challenges. With permission from election officials, vehicles may be used to assist pregnant women, new mothers, women carrying children, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and others unable to walk to polling stations.

Additionally, political parties will be required to submit the name of their main campaigner to the Commission. Only campaigners officially approved by the Commission will be allowed to use helicopters for election campaigning.

The Election Commission stated that these provisions aim to ensure fair, disciplined, and cost-effective elections by preventing misuse of resources and undue influence during the campaign period.