Allegations against Shah
Recent media reports say the Election Commission has received audio-visual evidence allegedly showing plainclothes police personnel accompanying Balendra Shah’s spouse during outreach, and possibly participating in campaign activities in favour of the Rastriya Swatantra Party candidate in Jhapa-5. On this basis, the EC has issued a second clarification notice, giving Shah a short deadline to respond.
Code of conduct at stake
The Election Code of Conduct explicitly bars serving security personnel from engaging in partisan campaigning or being used as political resources. The commission has also warned that any misuse of state vehicles, staff or security escorts for electoral advantage could lead to legal action. The Shah case is being watched closely because it tests how strictly these provisions will be enforced against prominent figures.
Broader enforcement drive
According to reports, at least nine individuals have recently been questioned for alleged violations of the Election Code of Conduct 2026. By publicising clarification notices, the EC appears to be signalling that it will not ignore early infractions, hoping to set deterrent examples well before the 5 March vote. For voters, visible enforcement can either build trust in the neutrality of the referee or, if perceived as selective, deepen suspicions of bias—making due process and transparency critical.