By-elections: Prohibited period begins – What’s restricted?

KATHMANDU: The Election Commission (EC) has announced the commencement of the prohibited period for local-level by-elections from midnight, Nov 28.

The commission has urged all stakeholders to ensure the elections are conducted in a clean, free, fair, credible, and fear-free environment.

The restricted period, as per the Election Offenses and Punishment Act, 2016 (Clause 24, Sub-clause 5) and Election Code of Conduct, 2022 (Clause 17), begins 48 hours before the polling day and remains in effect until the completion of vote counting.

During this period, political parties, candidates, or their affiliates are prohibited from engaging in activities against the code of conduct.

This includes organizing rallies, demonstrations, chanting slogans, or any form of campaigning.

The commission has also barred any discussions, interactions, workshops, or conferences related to the elections.

Soliciting votes or conducting campaigns through any means, including social media, online platforms, print, or other mediums, is strictly prohibited.

Election Commission spokesperson Neeta Pokharel Aryal has warned against posting or sharing messages, information, or promotional materials favoring or opposing any candidate or political party on social media or other platforms during this period.

Any violation of the code of conduct will be closely monitored by central and district monitoring committees, local administration, security personnel, and designated monitoring officials.

Legal action will be taken immediately against offenders, and reports will be submitted to the chief election officer and the commission.

Voting is scheduled for this Sunday, with 162 polling stations and 293 polling centers set up for 226,799 registered voters.