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The Election Commission (EC) is set to use the popular social media platform for election publicity. 

In view of the March 5 elections to the House of Representatives (HoR), the EC has come up with a campaign to create TikTik video messages. 

As informed, the EC is conducting TikTok video message creation competition so as to reach out among the voters with election messages. 

According to the EC, such competition has been advanced for election publicity and voters' education. 

A one-minute TikTok video based on topics such as election code of conduct and voter education has to be created and shared through one's social media. 

Likewise, the TikTok has also been sent to the EC's email by March 1. The EC will award the TikTok with the highest number of viewers among all the TikToks received by the commission. 

The EC will provide first award amounting to Rs 50,000 to the one with the most viewers, Rs 30,000 to the second, and Rs 20,000 to the third along with certificates.

The TikTok videos should be prepared in the context of the House of Representatives election, 2026. 

The videos should be interactive and message-oriented. Priority will be given to videos with original content, audio, and acting, the EC stated. 

The videos should provide general information about the election, need for the election, its importance, correct way to mark the ballot, compliance with the election code of conduct, and information about voters' rights and duties. 

The selection of the best video will be made by independent experts and the Commission, the notice stated. 

Nepal’s major parties have highlighted distinct foreign policy visions in their election manifestos. CPN-UML focuses on sovereign equality, independence, and peaceful relations with all nations, pledging stronger ties with neighbors, labor agreements, foreign investment, and job creation. 

Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) advocates “balanced and dynamic diplomacy,” aiming to turn Nepal from a “buffer state” into a “vibrant bridge” through strategic partnerships with India and China, enhanced connectivity, and development cooperation. Nepali Congress (NC) envisions a sovereign, peaceful, and dignified Nepal, promoting equality, mutual respect, and economic partnerships, while raising Nepal’s global profile through iconic symbols.

 In its election manifesto, UML has said that it is committed to a foreign policy based on respect for sovereign equality, independence, and territorial integrity, and grounded in world peace, coexistence, and friendship with all.  The document says: “We maintain respectful relations with all nations. We respect the sovereignty and independence of all countries and expect similar treatment from others. We believe in sovereign equality. We reject any encroachment or interference against the independence, self-determination, and territorial integrity of any nation.”

It also emphasizes the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, non-alignment, peaceful coexistence, non-interference, mutual understanding, cooperation, and the Five Principles (Panchsheel). According to the manifesto, the party stands firmly against war and in favor of world peace.

The document further says: “We will participate in all efforts inspired by dialogue and goodwill and make thoughtful contributions. Enhancing the dignity and pride of Nepal and the Nepali people is our objective.”

The UML also pledges to continuously strive to further strengthen relations with our neighboring friendly countries, make them more cordial, and enhance mutual cooperation. It reaffirms commitment to the principle of “friendship with all, enmity with none”. “We do not wish harm to any of our neighbors and will not undertake any action that would harm them. We will cooperate with all friendly nations and with international and regional organizations.”

To effectively promote labor diplomacy, the party promises to conclude bilateral labor agreements with all destination countries, including provisions for social security.  The party manifesto also pledges to promote foreign direct investment in productive sectors and increase employment opportunities within Nepal. 

Meanwhile, RSP has emphasized balanced and dynamic diplomacy in its election manifesto.

The document says:  “Placing Nepal’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national interest above all, we will adopt a “balanced and dynamic diplomacy” to transform shifting global geopolitics and the rise of neighboring powers into opportunities for Nepal’s development.”

It also pledges to adapt to the strategic interests of neighboring countries and changes in the global balance of power to transform Nepal from a “buffer state” into a “vibrant bridge,” ensuring national interest through trilateral economic partnerships and enhanced connectivity.

The manifesto says that the party will renew the framework of development partnership with India, so that Nepal can benefit from their achievements in the areas such as digital public infrastructure, high-speed, high-quality physical infrastructure, formalization of economy, synergy between productive industries and the service sector, and overall enhancement of state capacity.

With China, RSP pledges to promote the mobilization of concessional financing for the construction of world-class infrastructure, implement state-directed targets and programs for economic and social development, and incorporate exemplary practices of inter-provincial competition as key pillars of partnership. 

In its election manifesto Nepali Congress (NC) says: “We envision Nepal  will be recognized by the international community as a sovereign, peaceful, and dignified nation.” According to the document Nepal’s foreign policy will be grounded in national interest and the principle of sovereign equality. The party states: “Our relationships with neighboring and friendly countries will be based on equality and mutual respect, and such relations will be advanced on the foundation of mutual trust and economic partnership.”

The NC manifesto also promises to make Nepal known to the world as a responsible and respected member, along with national heritages  like Mount Everest, Lumbini, Pashupatinath, and Janaki.

Acting Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Ram Prasad Bhandari appealed to all media outlets not to conduct any form of opinion polls ahead of the March 5 elections to the House of Representatives. 

CEC Bhandari made the appeal while addressing a program organized by the Election Commission today to mark the 10th Election Day.

Bhandari reminded that since the Election Code of Conduct prohibits opinion polls, action will be taken against those who violate it. 

He also underscored the need for heightened vigilance during the election period, noting that misinformation can easily spread with false news presented as true and vice versa. 

Calling upon supporters of political parties to work towards conducting the elections by complying with the Election Code of Conduct, he emphasized that they should refrain from defaming others through social media. 

“Let us work based on truth and facts. As social media has become a sensitive issue during elections, let us be careful while using it,” he requested. 

Appealing to the voters, he urged them to elect the right representatives without yielding to pressure or undue influence.

On the occasion, he shared that a security meeting has been convened to devise election related security policies and strategies for the successful conduct of the elections. 

Furthermore, he cautioned that the Office of Election Officer in the respective districts could take action against those found campaigning in breach of the Election Code of Conduct. 

The Commission also reminded election observers to perform only the duties assigned to them.

He requested all involved, including volunteer educators engaged in voter education, staff assigned to the election process, security personnel and everyone associated, to work in a way that encourages maximum voter turnout and ensures that all cast votes are counted.

Bhandari emphasized that even a small mistake in elections can lead to major problems, so it is necessary to work attentively with high morale.

The CPN-UML has unveiled its manifesto for the upcoming elections to the House of Representatives. 

Chairman KP Sharma Oli unveiled the party's Election Manifesto-2082BS at the 'Desh Pahila (Country First)' program, organized by the UML Central Election Mobilization Committee. 

The manifesto includes the party's commitments by setting specific goals.

The UML has said that the victory is essential to fulfill the slogan 'Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepalis: National Aspiration is Our Destination'.

The UML has given main importance to good governance, development, employment, and social justice which were initiated when the party was in the government, but could not be completed.

The manifesto has highlighted 11 immediate tasks, five fundamental tasks, and 25 pledges.

Addressing the program, Chairman Oli claimed that the UML, with the determination to build rather than destroy and burn the state institutions, would lead the work of transforming the face of the country, based on the party's past experiences and practices.

He clarified that the UML has always been steadfast in support of independence and nationalism and stated that they would not focus on populism or stunts.