EC sets 15-day campaign period

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Feb. 16: The Election Commission has set a 15-day period for election campaigning for the House of Representatives elections, directing all stakeholders to fully comply with the election code of conduct. 

According to the commission, political parties and candidates are permitted to campaign from midnight of February 16 until midnight of March 2, as per the approved schedule. 

According to EC, the timeframe has been set in accordance with the election schedule. 

On Sunday, the EC issued 64-point directives to political parties and candidates, detailing strict rules for campaigning, financial management, and voter conduct ahead of the House of Representatives elections. 

The directives emphasise that no individual shall obstruct candidates from contesting, campaigning,  or voters from exercising their right to vote. 

The Commission strictly prohibits the use of weapons, threats, inducements, or any actions that could harm social reputation or disrupt public order. 

Election campaigning is allowed only between February 16 and  March 2, including rallies, public meetings, corner assemblies, media publications and door-to-door campaigning. 

However, campaigns must avoid activities that undermine Nepal’s independence, sovereignty, national unity, or social harmony. Character assassination, intimidation, and actions inciting hatred based on language, religion, caste, community, region, or gender are prohibited, the EC said. 

The EC has also outlined financial rules for candidates. According to the EC, the candidates must channel all election-related expenses through banks or financial institutions, open separate accounts for contributions exceeding Rs. 25,000 and ensure expenditures do not exceed the limit set by the Commission. 

The political parties and candidates are required to prepare and publicly submit an election manifesto. 

The Commission has also highlighted prohibitions on using government or public property, vehicles, children in campaigns, religious or communal appeals and any actions that could incite fear, hatred, or social discord. 

The EC has also asked parties and candidates to conduct electoral campaign between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., whereas, all materials used during the campaign must be collected and disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.

The EC has strictly regulated campaign materials, allowing only single-colour leaflets bearing the printer’s name, within prescribed size and weight limits. 

Posters, banners, wall writings, digital displays or any campaign material on religious, historical, or public buildings are prohibited. Use of sound systems is permitted only for organised meetings, the EC said. 

Similarly, no candidate or party may hold rallies, processions, or campaigns, from 48 hours before polling until the completion of vote counting. 

Furthermore, the Election Commission has emphasised strict adherence to polling day regulations. 

Political parties, candidates, and their representatives are prohibited from displaying any party flags, election symbols, or promotional materials inside or around polling 

stations, ensuring that voters can cast their ballots without influence or intimidation.

The Commission has also reinforced that no individual may obstruct or block voters from entering polling stations, nor may anyone attempt to manipulate, remove, destroy, or tamper with ballot papers, ballot boxes, or any other election-related materials. 

Furthermore, the EC has urged citizens to report any violations of the election law or the Code of Conduct, 2025 whether in writing, verbally, online, or through other means, to the relevant election authorities to ensure the code is effectively enforced.

The directives explicitly state that all forms of campaigning, both online and offline, must strictly adhere to the Election Code of Conduct, including limits on rallies, media promotions, and publicity materials. 

The Commission has warned that any breach of the 64-point directives could result in strict enforcement action, including penalties under electoral law, to ensure a free, fair, and credible election.