KATHMANDU: The Election Commission has officially begun the ‘silence period’ ahead of the House of Representatives election scheduled for Thursday.

Starting 48 hours before voting, this period imposes a complete halt on all election campaigning activities.

During the silence period, all stakeholders—including political parties, candidates, media personnel, and voters—are required to strictly adhere to the election code of conduct, the Commission emphasized.

Ban on Campaigning and Public Gatherings: The Commission has prohibited all forms of election-related gatherings, including rallies, conferences, workshops, or interactions. Any activity intended to directly or indirectly influence voters, such as processions, demonstrations, or political assemblies, is strictly forbidden.

Social Media and Digital Monitoring: To prevent online campaigning, the Commission has imposed strict regulations on social media platforms. No messages, information, or promotional content favoring or opposing any candidate are allowed on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, Viber, or other digital platforms. Previously posted advertisements and campaign materials must also be removed during this period.

Prohibition on Festivities and Public Disturbances: Activities such as playing musical instruments, dancing, public feasts, or any action that may entice or influence voters are strictly banned. The Commission has warned that any disturbance or creation of fear near polling centers will result in legal action.

Removal of Campaign Materials: All banners, flags, and campaign materials within 300 meters of polling centers must be removed at least 48 hours before voting. The use of sound systems, SMS, or any electronic medium to solicit votes is completely prohibited.

Ensuring Safe Voting: Security measures have been tightened to ensure that election staff and voters can perform their duties without interference. The Commission has urged all parties to maintain a calm and safe environment from three hours before polling until voting concludes.

The Election Commission is closely monitoring compliance and has warned that any violations of the code of conduct will face immediate legal action.

All stakeholders are called upon to act responsibly and ensure a successful democratic exercise.

KATHMANDU: The Election Commission has announced that the campaign period for political parties and candidates ends at midnight tonight, marking the start of the legally mandated “silence period” ahead of the House of Representatives election on Thursday, March 5.

During this 48-hour silence period, no campaigning, speeches, gatherings, discussions, or activities that could influence voters are allowed.

Violations, including campaigning through social media, SMS, or any economic influence, can lead to disqualification and a six-year ban from participating in elections, Election Commission Acting Chief Ram Prasad Bhandari warned.

The silence period is designed to provide voters with a calm environment to make informed and independent decisions. It also allows election authorities and security forces to manage polling centers, maintain law and order, and ensure smooth electoral operations.

Candidates and parties are required to remove all campaign materials within 300 meters of polling stations before the period begins.

This election sees 65 political parties competing across 61 direct election symbols.

A total of 3,406 candidates (3,017 men, 388 women, 1 other) are contesting direct elections in 165 constituencies, while 3,135 candidates (1,363 men, 1,772 women) compete under the proportional representation system in 110 seats.

The voter registry lists 18,903,689 eligible voters, including 186,142 temporary voters. Elections will be held at 10,967 polling locations with 23,112 polling centers and 143 temporary sites.

Security will be provided by 79,727 Nepali Army personnel, 75,797 Nepal Police, 34,567 Armed Police, 1,921 National Investigation personnel, and 149,090 election police. Around 215,000 election staff will oversee operations.

A total of 42,251,200 ballots have been printed, with four international and 39 national organizations deployed as election observers.

The silence period aims to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful election environment, allowing voters to review candidates’ programs and make decisions without external pressure.