KATHMANDU: The Election Commission (EC) has enforced a ‘publicity restriction period’, also known as the ‘silence’ period, from Monday midnight for the upcoming election to the House of Representatives (HoR) slated for Thursday.
The silence period was enforced after all necessary logistical and administrative preparations for the election were completed, the EC informed.
According to the Election Commission, the silence period begins 48 hours before voting and lasts until the polling stations close on election day. Voters will be able to cast their ballots from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm on Thursday.
The EC has strongly urged all authorities, political parties, and candidates to strictly adhere to the Election Code of Conduct 2082 during this period.
Call for free, fair polls
The EC has emphasised that the silence period is crucial to ensure the election is held in a free, fair, and fear-free environment.
EC’s Joint Secretary Narayan Prasad Bhattarai appealed to all stakeholders to refrain from any prohibited activities during the campaign and highlighted the importance of maintaining an atmosphere free from influence and intimidation.
He said this is vital for preserving the legitimacy and credibility of the election results.
Restriction on publicity campaigns
The EC has urged media outlets, political parties, and candidates to halt any form of publicity campaign until the voting concludes on March 5.
The EC has instructed all candidates and political parties to remove any promotional materials, including posts on social media, which were shared before the start of the silence period.
The Commission also directed the candidates and political parties to remove the election symbols, posters and banners displayed within a 300-meter radius of all polling stations.
Digital and physical campaigning prohibited
Electoral campaigning through digital platform such as Facebook, TikTok, X, Youtube, Instagram, and others is strictly prohibited during the silence period. Similarly, the use of promotional items like stickers, caps, logos, bags, and scarves symbolising candidates of political parties is banned.
EC’s Joint Spokesperson Kul Bahadur GC informed that the responsibility of monitoring social media platforms would be handled by the Information Integrity Promotion Unit under the Election Information Dissemination Coordinator Centre.
This unit is supported by cyber bureau experts from the Nepal Police, Nepali Army, and Nepal Telecommunication Authority, who will oversee social media activities to ensure compliance. EC warned that any individual or organisation found violating the Election Code of Conduct would face strict legal action.
As per the law, violators may be fined up to Rs. 100,000 or, in more severe case even face termination of candidacy.
GC also informed that the EC has empowered Assistant Chief District Officers, Chief Returning Officers, and Chief Treasury Controllers to monitor the compliance of the directives during the silence period and take appropriate action against violators.
In order to ensure strict enforcement, the EC has established monitoring mechanisms at central, district, and local levels, he added.
Special micro-monitoring teams with enhanced authority will be deployed in districts and municipalities deemed particularly sensitive. These teams will work to ensure that the silence period is strictly observed, GC assured.
The Election Commission reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a transparent and accountable election process, urging all stakeholders to work together to uphold democratic principles and ensure the election’s credibility.
