19 election offenses in Nepal

There is a provision of punishment for those who work against the law and commit crimes in the election. Provisions enlisted in the Election (Fault and Punishment) Act 2016:

1. False details should not be submitted: There is a rule that false details and documents should not be submitted during nomination of candidates. This time, the Election Commission has made an arrangement to follow the code of conduct and other forms of self-declaration during the nomination. There is a provision of fine up to Rs 25,000 for giving false details.

2. Use of election materials should not be obstructed: Ballot boxes should not be snatched and destroyed during the election. Doing so will result in a fine of up to one lakh rupees, imprisonment for up to two years or both.

3. Ballot papers should not be misused: Ballot papers used for elections should not be ripped, torn or misused. People are not allowed to make fake ballot papers and take the ballot papers of the polling stations elsewhere. Doing so will result in a fine of up to one lakh, imprisonment for two years or both.

4. Ballot papers should not be sold: There is a provision that ballot papers should not be sold or given to the election officials or polling officials. Doing so will result in a fine of up to one lakh, imprisonment for two years or both.

5. Don't vote on others' behalf: No one can vote in the name of others. Voters are not allowed to vote multiple times. There is a fine of up to Rs 25,000 for doing both.

6. Voting details should not be made public: There is a rule that no one should make their secret ballot public. Ballot papers cannot be shown or photographed after voting. In that case, the election employee can be fined up to Rs 15,000.

7. No other items to be dropped in ballot boxes: Voters are not allowed to drop anything other than ballot papers in the ballot box. There is a fine of Rs 15,000 for dropping other items. 

8. No road blocking: No one should be prevented from going to the polls. Doing so carries a fine of up to Rs 25,000.

9. Non-Nepalese should not vote: Non-Nepalese citizens may be given a fine of one lakh rupees, one year imprisonment or both for voting in the election.

10. Not to access ballot counting process: No one can access the ballot counting process unless specified by the Election Commission. If one goes, they will be fined Rs 15,000. There is a provision of one lakh rupees fine, imprisonment for two years or both for destroying the materials by obstructing the vote count.

11. Votes should not be counted incorrectly: If votes are counted incorrectly, the designated people will be punished by law accordingly. 

12. No possession of weapons: No one is allowed to carry weapons to the polling stations. Also, explosives and lethal materials should not be in their possession. The act incurs a fine of Rs 200,000, imprisonment for three years or both.

13. Peace and security should not be disturbed: There is a provision of a fine of Rs. 25,000 for demonstrations against the election.

14. Voters must not be under duress: The law stipulates that candidates and their representatives should not keep voters under duress. Cash or other items should not be distributed or taken. Depending on the severity of the offense, there is a provision of two to three years imprisonment or both.

15. Propagandas may not be carried out: During the election campaign, there is a provision that propaganda should not be carried out in such a way as to affect issues related to national integrity, peace and security. Doing so will result in a fine of Rs 200,000 and imprisonment for three years or both.

16. Limits to campaigning: The Election Commission has set various limits for campaigning. Posters, graffiti and banners are also banned.

17. Financial assistance: Expenditures should not be made by anyone other than designated persons. One is not allowed to spend more than the prescribed limit.

18. Expenditure details should be submitted: Candidates should submit the expenses incurred during the election to the Returning Officer after the election.

19. Confidentiality: There is a provision that election staff should not disclose confidential information. There is a provision in the ballot paper that no effort should be taken to identify the voter.