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.