EC allows candidates to use online media for canvassing

Kathmandu, Nov. 11: The Election Commission has decided to allow the political parties and candidates to publish and broadcast advertisements in the online media for the purpose of forthcoming  elections to the  House of Representatives (HoR) and Provincial Assemblies.

Section 15 of the Election Code of Conduct-2022 allows the parties or candidates to use media including, television, radio or FM radio and newspaper for canvassing.

However, the section is silent about the use of the online media for the same purpose, said EC’s assistant spokesperson Kamal Bhattarai.

Considering this, the EC has decided to make it clear about the use of online media for electioneering, said Bhattarai adding,”The parties and candidates can now use online media, listed in the Press Council Nepal, for canvassing.”

He, however, said that the parties and candidates have to follow certain rules while using the online media for their publicity.

According to Bhattarai, a  political party or a candidate can broadcast election  related audio-visual materials. However, such content should not exceed more than one minute.

Political parties can conduct election campaigns through private online media by using roadblocks, content blocks, homepages, banners, detail page banners, box advertisements (in between the news).

However, it should be ensured that publicity materials are paid advertisement, the EC’s statement said.

The EC has barred the use of abusive language, dis-information, misinformation and hate speech in such media contents, said Bhattarai.

Likewise, the details of expenses incurred by the parties and candidates for canvassing via online portals should be included in election expenditure details to be submitted in accordance with the prevailing law.

The EC has, however,  prohibited the use of foreign online portals for canvassing.