Silence Period for Election Begins

Campaigning for the House of Representatives election officially ended on Monday night, ushering in a legally mandated "Silence Period" from Tuesday.

This 48-hour period, which lasts until polling concludes and ballot boxes are sealed on the voting day (Thursday), is designed to give voters time for quiet reflection. During this time, political parties, candidates, and their supporters are strictly prohibited from soliciting votes or conducting any form of electioneering.

According to Election Commission’s Assistant Spokesperson Kul Bahadur GC, this provision is crucial for ensuring a free and fair election by allowing voters to make independent decisions without undue influence.

With the silence period now in effect, a comprehensive ban has been placed on all election-related promotional activities. This includes political advertisements, public gatherings, door-to-door canvassing, and social media promotions, as well as the dissemination of materials through online platforms, print, and electronic media.

Security Heightened for Election Day

Meanwhile, Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal has assured that security arrangements have been significantly enhanced for the election, the state-run national news agency RSS reported.

On Monday, just before the silence period commenced, Minister Aryal visited the Election Commission office to review the final preparations for the March 5 election. During the meeting with EC officials, discussions focused on security measures, adherence to the code of conduct, and its enforcement.

Minister Aryal expressed confidence that security is effectively in place, enabling citizens to cast their votes without fear. He emphasized that all security agencies are working in close coordination to ensure a secure environment conducive to a fair election.

According to the election schedule, voting will take place on March 5 from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Strict Monitoring and Media Guidelines

Officiating Chief Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari stated that there would be rigorous monitoring throughout the silence period to guarantee adherence to the code of conduct. He stressed the importance of compliance and warned that violators would face legal action, RSS further reported.

The Press Council Nepal, meanwhile, has urged all media outlets to strictly observe the silence period. In a statement issued on Monday, the Council directed all media, online portals, and social media platforms to refrain from publishing or broadcasting any news, opinions, advertisements, or promotional content favoring or opposing any political party or candidate.

The Council also warned that publishing or sharing photographs, party logos, symbols, banners, or any other election-related materials during the silence period would constitute a violation of the Election Code of Conduct.