The Election Commission of Nepal has issued a strong appeal to all political parties and stakeholders to refrain from involving children in election campaign activities. Emphasizing the importance of safeguarding children’s rights and maintaining ethical electoral practices, the commission warned against the use of minors in poll-related events ahead of the upcoming elections. This directive aims to uphold the integrity of the democratic process while protecting vulnerable groups from exploitation, marking a significant step in Nepal’s commitment to child protection during political campaigns.
Council Urges Political Parties to Uphold Child Protection in Election Campaigns
Emphasizing the paramount importance of safeguarding children during the electoral process, the Council has issued a strong appeal to all political parties and stakeholders. The Council urged them to strictly prohibit involving minors in any election-related activities, including rallies, canvassing, and promotional events. It highlighted that the participation of children in political campaigns not only violates national child protection laws but also exploits their innocence and exposes them to undue risks. Political entities have been reminded of their responsibility to create a safe and child-friendly election environment that prioritizes the well-being and rights of young citizens.
To ensure compliance, the Council recommended adherence to the following best practices:
- No use of children as props or participants in campaign materials or events
- Strict monitoring by election officials and child protection agencies to discourage violations
- Awareness programs aimed at educating party workers and the public on child rights
- Imposition of penalties on candidates or parties found to be involving children unlawfully
| Stakeholder | Role in Child Protection |
|---|---|
| Political Parties | Enforce internal rules and educate members |
| Election Commission | Monitor campaign activities and implement sanctions |
| Civil Society | Report violations and raise awareness |
| Media | Highlight issues and promote responsible coverage |
Child Rights Organizations Highlight Risks of Minor Involvement in Polling Activities
Child rights organizations have raised serious concerns regarding the engagement of minors in electoral polling campaigns across Nepal. These groups emphasize that such involvement not only exposes children to political conflicts but also violates their fundamental rights to a safe and supportive environment. Experts warn that the exploitation of young individuals in political activities risks psychological stress, disruption of education, and potential manipulation by vested interests.
Highlighting the urgency of the matter, advocacy groups have called on political parties, stakeholders, and community leaders to adhere strictly to protective guidelines. They recommend targeted awareness programs focusing on:
- Ensuring children’s participation remains limited to educational and non-political settings
- Respecting the legal framework prohibiting minors from direct involvement in electioneering
- Monitoring and reporting any incidents of child exploitation during campaign periods
| Risks Identified | Impact on Children |
|---|---|
| Psychological stress | Anxiety, fear, and confusion |
| Disrupted education | Missed school days and reduced learning opportunities |
| Political exploitation | Manipulation for partisan benefits |
Recommendations for Ensuring Safe and Ethical Election Participation in Nepal
To maintain the integrity of Nepal’s electoral process, stakeholders are urged to respect the rights and dignity of all citizens, especially children. Political parties and campaigners must strictly refrain from involving minors in any form of election activities, including rallies, promotional events, and canvassing. Such involvement not only violates child protection laws but also undermines the democratic process by exploiting vulnerable populations for political gain. Civil society organizations and election monitoring bodies are encouraged to intensify awareness-raising campaigns highlighting the importance of ethical participation, ensuring that children remain shielded from the pressures and risks associated with election-related activities.
Furthermore, election authorities should implement stronger monitoring mechanisms and adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards violations involving minors. Effective collaboration among government agencies, law enforcement, media, and local communities is essential to safeguard the electoral environment. The following table outlines key measures recommended for stakeholders to encourage ethical election participation:
| Action | Responsible Parties | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Ban use of children in campaign activities | Political Parties, Election Commission | Protection of child rights |
| Conduct public awareness programs | Civil Society, Media | Educated and informed voters |
| Enforce legal penalties for violations | Law Enforcement Agencies | Deterrence of unethical practices |
| Strengthen community monitoring | Local Communities, NGOs | Early detection of infractions |
In Summary
As Nepal approaches its upcoming elections, the council’s call for stakeholders to refrain from involving children in poll campaigns underscores the ongoing commitment to uphold the rights and safety of minors in the political process. Ensuring that children remain free from political influence and undue pressure is critical for fostering a democratic environment rooted in respect and responsibility. Authorities and political parties alike are urged to adhere to these guidelines to protect the nation’s youngest citizens from exploitation and to maintain the integrity of the electoral process. Further monitoring and strict enforcement will be essential as the campaign season progresses.
