By-election: Silence period imposed, ban on propaganda, social media also under surveillance

KATHMANDU:A period of silence has been imposed beginning at 12:00 p.m. for the by-elections in the three constituencies scheduled for Sunday, Baisakh 10 (April 23).

The ban period will be imposed to House of Representatives members for the elections in Bara Constituency No. 2, Tanahun Constituency No. 1, and Chitwan Constituency No. 2.

The Commission used the authority granted by Section 22 of the Election Commission Act, 2073 and the Election Code of Conduct issued on the Chaith 24, 2079 (7 April, 2023) to conduct the elections in a clean, free, fair, reliable, transparent, and fear-free environment beginning 48 hours before the polling day. The campaigning ban will be enforced until the polling place closes on election day.

According to the provision, the period of ban on campaigning will continue from 12:00 until the polling station is closed on Baisakh 10 (April 23), according to Election Commission Assistant Spokesperson Surya Prasad Aryal.

According to subsection 5 of section 24 of the Election (Offenses and Punishment) Act, 73 and section 17 of the Election Code of Conduct, 2079, during that period, to hold any type of discussion, interaction, meeting, conference, workshop, seminar, etc. The commission has reminded all concerned that it is prohibited to spread any kind of propaganda, ask for votes, ask for votes through electronic means such as SMS, Facebook, Viber and social networks.

Furthermore, the commission has requested that no statements be made in violation of the electoral code of conduct, press releases be issued, publications and broadcasts be made, and materials forecasting victory or defeat be disseminated through the media.

The Commission has stated that social networks are also being monitored due to the suspicion that such activities may expand.

Nepal-India border closed from midnight

The Nepal-India border will be closed from today for the by-election of members of the House of Representatives, which is going to be held on Baisakh 10 (April 23).

According to a notice published by the District Administration Office Bara, the district’s Nepal-India border will be closed from 12:00 p.m. on Friday until 12:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Similarly, the Chief District Officer of Bara Navraj Sapkota notified that all types of intoxicants transportation, sale, distribution, and consumption have been prohibited throughout the district beginning at 12 p.m. on Tuesday night and ending at the conclusion of voting.