Kathmandu, Feb. 7 -- As the commission investigating the government's deadly crackdown on the anti-corruption protests on September 8 and the widespread destruction of public and private property on September 9 enters the final stage of report preparation, questions mount over whether its findings will be made public before the March 5 elections.

The findings and recommendations of the Gauri Bahadur Karki-led commission are considered crucial. Leaders from the old parties warn that if the report is released before the elections and implicates leaders who are contesting, it could influence the electoral process. As the election code of conduct is already in effect, the Election Commission also has the authority to advise the government on...