Kathmandu — Large gatherings, rallies and public meetings will be permitted from today as official campaigning for the House of Representatives elections formally begins under the election code of conduct issued by the Election Commission Nepal. According to the commission, political parties and candidates are allowed to carry out election-related activities for 17 days prior to polling day, including organizing mass meetings, corner assemblies, rallies and publishing or broadcasting campaign materials in various media platforms.
As per the schedule, parties and candidates can campaign from today until midnight on Falgun 3. During this period, candidates representing political parties will be able to formally seek votes from the electorate, provided they strictly adhere to the code of conduct and prioritize maintaining the integrity and fairness of the electoral process.
The commission has mobilized multiple mechanisms to ensure effective implementation and monitoring of the code of conduct. It has emphasized that there should be no need to issue clarification letters or initiate legal proceedings if political parties and candidates responsibly comply with the agreed rules. The commission reminded stakeholders that the code of conduct was formulated after extensive consultations with political parties and concerned groups, all of whom have expressed commitment to full compliance.
Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari stated that the commission has adopted a zero-tolerance policy toward violations of the code of conduct. He noted that there is a legal provision empowering the commission to seek explanations from violators and, depending on the gravity of the offense and supporting evidence, issue warnings, impose fines or even cancel candidacies.
The code also allows political parties and candidates to advertise in newspapers and online media in accordance with prescribed criteria. Candidates must personally, or through authorized representatives, submit detailed expense reports to the election office for costs incurred in organizing general meetings or corner gatherings.
Furthermore, the commission has strictly prohibited the dissemination of false information, propaganda and hate speech through social media and online platforms, particularly content spread in an organized manner with vested political interests aimed at undermining any party or candidate. The commission reiterated that maintaining a free, fair and credible electoral environment remains its top priority throughout the campaign period.
