Silence Period Begins From Midnight of Falgun 18: Election Commission

Preparations for the upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) member election, scheduled for Falgun 21, have entered their final stage, according to the Election Commission.

The Commission announced that the 15-day official election campaign period began at midnight on Falgun 3. Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari stated that political parties and candidates are permitted to organize rallies, public assemblies, and other campaign-related activities only until midnight on Falgun 18.

After that deadline, the legally mandated “silence period” will come into effect. During this time, all forms of election campaigning will be strictly prohibited. The Commission has clarified that no campaign activities, discussions, or even informal persuasion—described metaphorically as “whispering” or “brainstorming”—will be allowed during the silence period. The time is intended for voters to reflect peacefully before casting their ballots.

Strict Monitoring of Campaign Conduct and Spending

Acting Chief Election Commissioner Bhandari emphasized that political parties are required to open a separate bank account specifically for election-related expenses. Candidates must submit detailed expense reports for activities such as organizing mass meetings or corner assemblies, including costs related to stage construction and event management. These financial details must be presented to the concerned election office either by the candidate or their authorized representative.

The Commission has also instructed that any voluntary financial contributions must comply with the Political Parties Act, 2017 (2073 BS). Parties are required to operate strictly within the legal framework while raising and spending funds for election purposes.

Furthermore, the Government of Nepal, provincial governments, and ministers are prohibited from using state resources and facilities while participating in election campaigns. To ensure compliance, central and district-level monitoring committees have been activated to oversee campaign activities and enforce the code of conduct.

Manifestos Submission Deadline

Bhandari also addressed concerns regarding whether political parties had submitted their election manifestos within the stipulated timeframe. He stated that most parties have already submitted their manifestos to the Commission, while a few were still in the process as of Sunday evening, which was the final deadline.

He clarified that submitting a manifesto is both a legal and moral obligation for political parties. The Commission had urged parties to clearly outline their development plans, governance strategies, and policy priorities through their manifestos. These documents are expected to present the parties’ commitments regarding good governance, infrastructure development, and progressive national solutions.

“Political parties cannot be exempt from their legal responsibilities,” Bhandari said. “Voters have the right to know what plans and programs parties are bringing forward for national development, good governance, and reform. These issues must be addressed clearly through their manifestos.”

Appeal for Free and Fair Elections

The Election Commission has appealed to government employees, security agencies, election observers, and the general public to cooperate in ensuring a clean, free, fair, and fear-free voting environment. The Commission reiterated its commitment to safeguarding citizens’ constitutional right to vote without intimidation or interference.

With the campaign period now underway and strict monitoring mechanisms in place, authorities say all necessary arrangements are being finalized to conduct the election in an orderly and transparent manner.