Kathmandu — The Election Commission of Nepal has announced that political parties will no longer be allowed to conduct election campaigning from 12:00 midnight tonight in view of the upcoming House of Representatives member election scheduled for Falgun 21.
According to the Commission, the election silence period begins 48 hours prior to the polling day and will remain in effect until voting concludes and polling centers are closed. Assistant Spokesperson Kul Bahadur GC informed that political parties, candidates, and concerned individuals are prohibited from seeking votes or engaging in any form of campaign activities once the restriction comes into force at midnight.
The provisions regarding conduct during the silence period are clearly outlined in the Election Code of Conduct, 2082. Political parties had been campaigning and soliciting votes since Falgun 4, and the campaign period will officially end at midnight today.
The Commission stated that the silence period is mandatory to ensure voters can make independent decisions based on their conscience, free from external influence. It is believed that this measure promotes fair competition and upholds electoral integrity.
As today marks the final day of campaigning, political activities have coincided with the celebration of Fagu Purnima in the Himalayan and hilly districts. Parties and candidates are actively engaged in campaign events until the deadline.
During the silence period, all forms of political advertisements, social media promotions, message dissemination, and any election-related publicity are strictly prohibited. Additionally, all campaign materials placed within 300 meters of polling stations must be removed by midnight tonight.
The Code of Conduct also prohibits posting, sharing, or transmitting any message, information, or promotional material supporting or opposing any political party or candidate through social media, online platforms, print media, or other electronic means.
Furthermore, from three hours before voting begins until the completion of polling, no individual is allowed to obstruct voters, polling officials, or personnel involved in the voting process.
Assistant Spokesperson GC emphasized that honest compliance and effective implementation of the Code of Conduct will help foster informed voters and strengthen the credibility of the electoral process.
The Commission also confirmed that all necessary preparations for the management, supervision, direction, control, and coordination of the election process, as mandated by the Constitution, have reached their final stage.
