Election integrity threatened by rising social media violations

By Bishnu Prasad Pokharel, Damak, Feb. 14: Violations of voters’ privacy through various media platforms and social media are on the rise, with individuals being directly asked whom they intend to vote for and content being disseminated with the apparent aim of influencing voters.

Jhapa Constituency- 5, which has attracted attention at both national and international levels, features prominent candidates including CPN-UML Chairman and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, senior leader of the Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Balendra Shah, Nepali Congress leader Mandhara Paudya, CPN leader Ranjit Tamang, RPP’s Laxmi Sangraula, and Shram Sanskriti Party’s Samir Tamang.

The contest has largely been portrayed as a two-way race between UML Chair Oli and RSP leader Shah. As a result, other candidates have also raised concerns regarding breaches of the code of conduct. The code clearly stipulates that voters’ privacy must be fully protected. However, in recent days, videos have surfaced on online portals, YouTube channels and social media platforms showing voters being directly asked, “Who will you vote for?”

According to Tulsi Nepal, head of the District Election Office, Jhapa, asking voters about their choice before polling, producing promotional materials intended to influence voters, or broadcasting false and misleading content constitutes a violation of the code of conduct.

He acknowledged that monitoring such activities has become increasingly challenging due to the rapid expansion of social media and online platforms. Nepal stressed the need for all stakeholders to act responsibly to ensure that the elections in Jhapa remain clean, fair and dignified. “Such a situation did not exist previously. We are working to curb it, and everyone’s cooperation is essential,” he said.

Deepak Das, secretary of the Election Supervisory Committee, Jhapa, warned that individuals appear to be questioning voters before polling and then making the footage go viral. “This is dangerous,” he said, adding that this is the first time that voters’ secret preferences have been exposed in this manner. He noted that such actions have created psychological pressure on voters.

A female voter from Jhapa Constituency No. 1, speaking on condition of anonymity, said her remarks were recorded casually, edited and then posted on social media. “People from different groups began making obscene and insulting comments,” she said, adding that she was forced to stop using social media due to mental distress.

Particularly in Jhapa Constituency No. 5, there has been a surge in attacks on voters’ expressions on social media amid intense competition among candidates. Supporters of rival parties have allegedly distorted voters’ personal opinions, posted abusive comments, sent threatening messages and engaged in organised trolling. Observers say this trend is undermining voters’ right to express their views freely.

The District Administration Office, Jhapa, has repeatedly urged the public not to violate the election code of conduct. In a press release, the administration warned against infringing on voters’ privacy, directly influencing voting preferences or spreading misinformation on social media.

Chief District Officer Shivaram Gelal stated that repeated appeals have been made to discourage such activities. “We have received numerous complaints and are investigating the matter,” he said, adding that two Assistant Chief District Officers have been appointed as code of conduct monitoring officers to prevent further violations.

Ekraj Giri, President of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, Jhapa, acknowledged that while journalists and media outlets have been reminded of their responsibility to adhere to the election code of conduct, gaps in their implementation persist. “The media must exercise greater responsibility during elections,” he said.

He added that repeated requests have been made not to publish or broadcast materials that violate voters’ privacy or attempt to influence votes. However, he noted that some individuals continue to ignore these appeals, producing content that breaches the code of conduct in pursuit of views and popularity. Jhapa’s Chief Election Officer and District Court Chief Judge, Umesh Prasad Luintel, also confirmed that all parties have been repeatedly urged to comply with the code of conduct and refrain from activities that contravene electoral regulations.