Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari has said that the election code of conduct will be enforced strictly this time, warning that violations could lead to severe action, including the cancellation of candidacies.

Acknowledging that violations increased in the past due to a largely awareness-oriented approach, Bhandari said the Election Commission would adopt a tougher, punitive stance in the upcoming polls. The commission has recently approved the election code of conduct and is preparing to enforce it from the first week of Magh. Describing elections as a “national campaign” and a “grand civic responsibility,” he said successful polls require collective integrity and participation from all stakeholders.

Bhandari also ruled out any possibility of postponing the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5. He said the commission has intensified preparations since the President announced the election date, stressing that holding the election on the scheduled date is mandatory under the constitution and the law. “If the election is not held on the fixed date, it would be unconstitutional. Elections are the only way forward for the country—there is no alternative,” he said.

Stating that debates over whether the election will take place are now over, Bhandari said the commission has progressed too far to turn back. “The election will be held on March 5. There is no turning back,” he asserted.

Recalling that the commission recently held a joint discussion with representatives of 30 to 35 political parties amid prevailing uncertainty, Bhandari said none of the parties expressed unwillingness to participate in the polls. He added that the dialogue helped open channels of communication among leaders at various levels, and that the commission has already completed much of its work by publishing programmes and schedules.

Bhandari urged the media, civil society, and concerned stakeholders to promptly highlight any weaknesses in the election process. “If shortcomings become clear news, it will greatly support the election process,” he said, adding that the role of the media would also be crucial in identifying and exposing elements attempting to disrupt the polls.