Kathmandu, Nepal, May 3, 2022: The Election Commission (EC) has sought clarification from CPN-UML mayoral candidate for Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) Keshav Sthapit over his alleged derogatory comments against a woman at a public event. Sending a letter to Sthapit on Monday, the EC has asked to clarify the question within 24 hours.
On Thursday, Sthapit had made some derogatory remarks against a woman when she asked him about sexual harassment charges against him. During the #MeToo movement in 2018, Sthapit was accused of sexual harassment by at least two women. Two female journalists had stated in 2018 in social media that they had faced sexual harassment from Sthapit in 2012.
Responding to a question raised by a woman, Sthapit had said at the function that though she looked like a nice lady her face was disgusting. ‘What will happen if he publicized the girl’s name in news media as having involved in the prostitution?’ Sthapit had said.
Objecting Sthapit’s remarks, as many as 45 women’s rights groups including Women's Rehabilitation Center (WOREC) had issued a statement calling his remarks objectionable. They had also demanded to scarp his candidacy stating that his statement is not only insensitive but also amounts to gender violence.
The EC has also sought clarification from the WOREC and National College in connection with the violation of the EC’s code of conduct.
