Lawmakers suggest ban sale of liquor during poll campaign

The members of the Federal Parliament have proposed to stop the public sale of alcohol during the 15-day campaign period for the Federal Parliament and Provincial Assemblies elections. The Election Commission has fixed November 20 as the date for the elections of the Federal Parliament and Provincial Assemblies elections. The Lawmakers have proposed to ban the sale of liquor during the15-day election campaign.

On Monday, the National Affairs and Coordination Committee of the National Assembly discussed the issue of women’s participation in the candidates for the upcoming elections. During the discussion, Deputy Secretary General of CPN (Maoist Center) Haribol Gajurel said, “Let’s completely stop buying and selling of alcohol for 15 days of the campaign. Drinking alcohol only leads to quarrels.” CPN-UML MP Bimala BK also proposed to ban the sale of liquors and alcohol-related items during 15 days of the election campaign. She said that if this is done, election campaigning will be systematic and expenses will also be reduced.

Chief Election Commissioner Dinesh Thapaliya said organizing parties is banned from 7PM to 6 AM three days before the election as stipulated in the Election Code of Conduct. Sale and distribution of alcohol is also banned during the period.

Thapaliya said that a proposal to ban the sale of alcohol for 15 days is also appropriate. “A proposal has been forwarded to ban alcohol for a 15-day period of the election campaign.  For me, it is better to shut it down completely. However, people who like alcohol might get angry. So, let’s keep it for 15 days,” remarked Thapaliya.