KATHMANDU: Kathmandu’s major streets appeared unusually quiet on Thursday as the election “silence period” approached and voters began leaving the capital to return to their home districts to cast their ballots.

With only three days remaining until polling day on March 5, the city witnessed a noticeable drop in movement despite the Holi festival.

Apart from a few small groups celebrating Holi in some areas, most major roads in Kathmandu remained largely deserted.

As the official campaign period ends at midnight tonight, political parties and candidates are wrapping up their electioneering and shifting their full focus to their respective constituencies.

Voters, meanwhile, have intensified travel to their home districts to participate in the voting process.

Some vehicles campaigning for candidates were still seen moving around Kathmandu, using loudspeakers to appeal for votes. However, large public gatherings and mass rallies have been significantly fewer this election cycle.

Political parties have placed greater emphasis on door-to-door campaigns this time, prioritizing direct engagement with voters over large-scale assemblies.

Candidates have focused on personal interactions to seek votes, reflecting a shift in campaign strategy.

The Election Commission has repeatedly urged political parties and candidates to strictly adhere to the electoral code of conduct and avoid activities that could disrupt public order.

Observers note that the election-focused campaigns have also dampened the scale of Holi celebrations in the capital this year, with fewer public gatherings and festivities compared to previous years.