Complaint filed against Harka Sampang at Election Commission

Kathmandu. A complaint has been lodged against Harka Sampang, the candidate for the House of Representatives from Sunsari-1 at the Election Commission (EC). The Dharan Municipality Children’s Network filed a complaint against Sampang, also the chair of Labour and Culture Party, accusing him of using children politically during the election campaign.

The Dharan Municipal Child Network has lodged a complaint against Sampang at the District Police Office, Sunsari and the Office of the Election Officer. In the complaint, it has been stated that according to Chapter 2, Clause 7 of the Children Act, 2075, children should not be used directly or indirectly for political purpose. However, candidate Sampang has been accused of violating the law and involving children in election activities.

Through the complaint, the network has demanded that Sampang be presented at the office of the returning officer to discuss the matter and to take legal action against those who violate the code of conduct. The network stresses that political parties and candidates should behave responsibly to protect the rights of children.

According to election officer Dibya Raj Ghimire, a complaint study committee has been formed under the coordination of the Chief Election Officer after receiving the complaint. He said that the committee would study the complaints, collect evidences and carry out necessary investigations and take action against them as per the law.

According to the Children Act, if the political use of children is proved, the candidate can be fined up to one lakh rupees and in serious cases, the candidacy will be rejected. The Election Commission (EC) has intensified surveillance on the activities of the candidates as the House of Representatives elections scheduled for March 4 are approaching.