Silent Period begins: Voter’s Test

KATHMANDU: The period of silence (silent period) began after the Election Commission’s campaign period ended. The Commission has already informed about the precautions to be taken once the campaign period, which began on Nov 3, has ended.

During this period of silence, the Commission has prohibited the transmission of information in support or opposition to the candidate via any other means, including social media, online, and print media.

The Commission has warned that those who violate the election code of conduct during the silent period will face consequences. The commission has ordered the candidates not only to stop campaigning, but also to comply with other requirements. That is, the 300 candidates’ campaign materials placed around the polling station will have to be removed. If candidates and party workers campaign during this time, it will have an impact on the candidates.

Following this period of silence, voting will take place on November 20. The Election Commission allowed campaigning to begin on Nov 3 for the elections for the House of Representatives and the State Assembly, which will be held simultaneously on November 20. During this time, 2,412 people campaigned directly for the House of Representatives, while 3,232 people campaigned for the State Assembly. Through secret balloting, 330 will be elected to the State Assembly and 165 to the House of Representatives. Deepak Manange has already been unopposed in Manang (B) for the state assembly. The rest of the candidates have tried to convince the voters as much as possible during the campaign period. The silent period that started today is for the voters. One crore 79 lakh 88 thousand 570 people who are eligible to vote in this election will have to think seriously during the silent period.

That is, the candidates’ responsibility has been fulfilled as of today. They must follow the election code of conduct and wait for the mandate. Those who receive the most votes will be required to serve as the people’s representatives for the next five years. Members of the House of Representatives will form the federal government first, followed by members of the provincial assembly who will form the provincial government. Aside from that, they will be preoccupied with policy decisions for legislation, budget approval, and government operation. At the same time, people’s representatives must focus on keeping the promises they made to voters when they ran for office. The time has come for voters to think carefully. It is the general voter’s responsibility to prepare for voting by studying the promises made by the candidates during the campaign.

Choosing one of the candidates is a difficult task. As once a vote is cast, it must be corrected by another vote. One mistake will not only jeopardize the country’s political and economic stability for the next five years. Certainly, the candidates have faced numerous temptations during the campaign. Some suspect that it was done by the candidate for feasting or any other violation of the code of conduct.

However, voting entails entrusting one’s political rights to another person for the next five years. What kind of government is this? What economic policy should be implemented? Which service delivery system should be used? Along with the vote, such a decision will be separated from the voters. As a result, understanding the dignity of the vote is critical. Voting is more than just a stamp on a ballot; it is also a transfer of power. As a result, voters will need to think carefully until election day.