The silence period for the House of Representatives election scheduled for Thursday has officially begun. The campaign period for political parties and candidates ended at midnight today. The Election Commission of Nepal had allowed political parties and candidates to conduct election campaigns from Falgun 4 until 12:00 midnight on Monday.
According to election regulations, no election-related activities are permitted during the silence period, which remains in effect from 48 hours before voting until the completion of polling. Campaigning, speeches, assemblies, discussions, reviews, or any activities that may influence voters are strictly prohibited. The Commission has stated that requesting votes, posting promotional content, or engaging in activities intended to influence the election outcome is not allowed during this period.
Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari informed that if any financial transactions intended to influence the election are detected during the silence period, the candidate’s nomination may be canceled and the individual may be barred from participating in any election process for up to six years.
The Commission has clarified that a zero-tolerance policy will be adopted against any activity aimed at influencing the election. The silence period is expected to provide voters with an opportunity to make thoughtful and independent decisions in a free and fair environment.
The period is also considered crucial from an administrative perspective. It allows election officials and security personnel to focus entirely on maintaining peace, security, and order to ensure a fear-free voting environment. Preparations during this time include setting up polling stations, managing voter queues, and assessing the overall security situation.
In many countries, silence periods range from 24 to 72 hours. The concept is designed to allow voters to reflect calmly on the views, plans, and programs presented by candidates and political parties, and to cast their votes with a clear and informed mindset.
The Commission has instructed candidates, political parties, and related individuals to strictly follow the election code of conduct during the silence period. According to the code, all campaign materials and election symbols placed within 300 meters of polling centers must be removed before the silence period begins.
Furthermore, seeking votes or conducting campaign activities through electronic means such as SMS, Facebook, Viber, or other social media platforms is prohibited. Similarly, publishing or broadcasting any news or information that promotes a candidate or political party during this period is not allowed.
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