Major parties are found to have violated the election code of conduct by using children in their election promotion campaigns in major thoroughfares in Sindhupalchok district. The Nepali Congress, the CPN-UML and the CPN (Maoist Centre) were found using children during their campaigns on Thursday. 

A truck full of schoolchildren, carrying Maoist Centre flags and wearing red T-shirts, were seen chanting party slogans at Sangachok Bazaar of Chautara Sangachok Municipality. 

Moments later, a truck campaigning for the UML was seen carrying children holding the party flags and chanting ‘zindabad’ in the area. 

Later on, another truck carrying children with the NC flags was spotted during the party’s election campaign.

The children said the parties offered them pocket money and free lunch. Most of the children were from Syaule, Gaurati, Ghalegaun and Chature villages.

“I arrived here in a truck. I was offered one thousand rupees and free lunch,” said 13-year-old Sabin Tamang of Syaule, who was out on the Maoist Centre campaign. “My school is closed now. As we get money for our idle time, I came along with my friends,” he said.

Another schoolboy Nabin Gurung, 13, of  Chautre, who was participating in the UML’s campaign, said that he was also offered an attractive pay for his services.

The parties had made commitment not to use children during their campaigns for the elections.