Kathmandu, Feb 19: Chief Election Commissioner Dinesh Kumar Thapaliya suggested the political parties and candidates vying in the upcoming local level election comply with the election code of conduct.    
    
The local level election is slated for May 13 this year in a single phase.    

At a programme organized by the Election Commission of Nepal on the 6th Election Day here today, Chief Election Commissioner Thapaliya warned that the reprimand and punishment for violation of the election code of conduct would be severe.    
    
Comparing election with football, he said that the political parties and candidates come to ground the contest like the players come to the ground to play the football.    
    
"The Commission plays the role of the referee," he said, adding that the commission should be a watchdog if the political parties and candidates contesting the poll flout the rules and regulations.    

According to him, there are over 250,000 election observers for the upcoming election. "We wish we do not have to show the red card to any political parties and candidates vying the contest for flouting the code of conduct."    

Suggesting to the employees of Commission and its subordinate bodies to carry out activities taking the preparation of the election as an opportunity, Thapaliya said.    

Similarly, Election Commissioner Dr Janaki Tuladhar pointed out the need for collaboration and coordination to ensure the consent of all sides as the election is the foundation of democracy.    

Likewise, Commissioner Sagun Shumsher Rana said that it was necessary to work in a collective way to make the election a success.    

Election Commission's Secretary Gokarna Mani Duwadi said we all should support the commission in taking up the responsibility for conducting elections in a free, fair and fearless environment.    

Also speaking on the same occasion, EC Spokesperson Shaligram Sharma Poudel recommended working in a way arrears would not be piled up and also to create an environment for election. Chief Commissioner Thapaliya shared that the commission declared to award 10 long-term serving and best performing employees.