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The government has announced a public holiday on May 13, the Election Day.

Issuing a statement, the Home Ministry announced a public holiday on May 13 as per the Cabinet decision, Home Ministry spokesperson Phanindra Mani Pokharel said.

He said that the government offices and public agencies across the country have also given a public holiday on that day.

The Election Commission has appealed to the private sector to grant a holiday on May 13.

Saying that all the people have the right to ensure their vote, the poll body urged to the private sector to grant a holiday on Election Day.

Similarly, the Commission has directed the parties and candidates to stop election campaigning during the silence period starting tomorrow.

Likewise, the EC urged the telecom companies  not to provide any SMS service for the campaigning.

Meanwhile, the Commission directed the chairman of Gorkhapatra National Daily and office bearers of Land Commission to furnish clarification within three days for violating the election code of conduct.

The Election Commission has sought clarification from five journalists for violating the election code of conduct.

The journalists have been asked to submit their response within 24 hours.

The EC has asked clarification from Chairman of Nepal Press Union Badri Sigdel, Chairman of Press Centre Nepal Bishnu Sapkota, Chairman of Socialist Press Organisation Shambhu Shrestha, Chairman of Press Forum Nepal Keshav Aryal and Secretary of Progressive Journalists' Association Shyamlal Pokharel.

The EC stated that an appeal to the voters made by the five journalists asking vote for the candidates of the five-party left-democratic alliance was against the Election Code of Conduct, 2021.

Clause 22 of the Election Code of Conduct, 2021 has stated that journalists and employees working in media houses should not publish and broadcast news in favour of and against any candidate.

Voting has begun in the Philippines, as millions head to the polls today to choose their next president, BBC reported.

The man tipped to win the presidency is Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr, the son of the nation's former dictator. 

If polls suggesting a landslide victory pan out, it will mean the powerful Marcos political dynasty, will sweep back into office.

His closest rival is Leni Rebredo who beat Mr Marcos in the 2016 vice-presidential elections. 

Thousands of other roles will also be up for grabs in the general election, including senator posts and seats in the House of Representatives, according to BBC.

A high turnout is expected of the nation's eligible 67 million voters - many of whom are young people.

Whoever wins will take over from Rodrigo Duterte, the outspoken leader who's come to the end of his constitutionally-enforced six year term in office.

Mr Duterte's government has been criticised for its brutality in cracking down on drugs and crime, though the administration has always rejected allegations of wrongdoing, BBC reported.

Who are the candidates?

Bongbong, 64, is the son of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos whose rule over the Philippines lasted for 21 years. 

Mr Marcos's rule saw him declare martial law and take control of the country's courts, businesses and media. The army and police arrested and tortured thousands of dissidents.

He, his wife Imelda Marcos - who is infamous for her vast designer wardrobe - along with their cronies, plundered an estimated $10bn from public funds. He was forced out of power in 1986 and died soon afterwards.

After his family was allowed back into the country in the 1990s, Bongbong carved out political footholds, becoming a province governor, congressman and senator.

In 2016 he ran for vice-president allied with President Duterte, but lost to Leni Robredo - his main challenger in this contest.

Ms Robredo is a human rights lawyer and liberal legislator who has consistently led campaigns against Duterte's drugs violence and gender inequality. 

She has vowed to tackle corruption, with her campaign slogan being: "Honest government, a better life for all".