With less than two weeks remaining before the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5, Election Commission Nepal has unveiled a sweeping 64-point directive aimed at tightening campaign discipline, curbing financial irregularities, and preventing the resurgence of election-related malpractices.
The detailed code comes amid growing concerns over rising campaign expenditures, the expanding influence of social media, and recurring allegations of voter inducement and misuse of state resources in past elections. By introducing stricter enforcement mechanisms and clearer prohibitions, the Commission appears determined to project institutional authority and reinforce electoral credibility.
Nepal’s previous electoral cycles have often been marred by accusations of vote buying, use of public vehicles and state machinery for partisan purposes, and inflammatory rhetoric targeting marginalized communities. While the country has largely avoided large-scale electoral violence in recent years, sporadic incidents of intimidation, financial inducement, and character attacks have persisted.
The new directive signals the Commission’s effort to close regulatory gaps — particularly in campaign financing and digital campaigning — while reinforcing the spirit of the Election Code of Conduct, 2082 and prevailing federal election laws.
Campaign activities—including rallies, assemblies, door-to-door outreach, and media promotions—are permitted only between Falgun 4 and Falgun 18 (February 16-March 2, 2026). A mandatory 48-hour silence period before polling will prohibit all forms of campaign activity, including social media posts and online messaging.
The emphasis on digital silence reflects a recognition of the increasing role of online platforms in shaping voter perceptions. By extending restrictions to social media sharing and reposting, the Commission is attempting to prevent last-minute misinformation or targeted messaging.
A central feature of the directive is its stringent financial oversight. Candidates must route all election-related expenses through banks or financial institutions. Contributions exceeding NPR 25,000 must be deposited into a separate bank account, and detailed expenditure reports must be submitted within 35 days of the election results.
The Commission has also prohibited financial assistance from government bodies, NGOs, educational institutions, and public entities in violation of federal law. These measures are widely interpreted as an effort to curb opaque funding channels and reduce the influence of money in politics.
Election analysts note that effective enforcement will be key. While reporting requirements have existed in previous elections, critics argue that monitoring mechanisms have historically lacked teeth. The Commission’s public warning of strict action suggests a more assertive approach this time.
In a notable shift, the directive severely restricts visual campaign materials. Only a single-color leaflet of limited size is permitted. Posters, banners, digital displays, flex boards, wall paintings, and even digital advertising boards are banned. Sound systems may only be used during approved assemblies between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm.
The prohibition of plastic and non-biodegradable materials marks an environmental dimension to the code, aligning electoral conduct with broader sustainability concerns. Parties are required to collect and manage campaign materials responsibly after events.
Additionally, the use of children in campaign activities has been explicitly barred, reinforcing child protection standards.
The directive introduces strict vehicle regulations. Candidates may use only up to two light vehicles in their constituency, subject to prior approval from the Election Officer. Vehicles cannot be used to transport voters, and motorized rallies are prohibited.
These measures target a common election-time practice of mobilizing voters through organized transport, which critics argue can distort voter autonomy and create unequal advantages for wealthier candidates.
To protect ballot integrity, the Commission has reiterated prohibitions against tampering with ballot papers and boxes, producing fake ballots, unauthorized entry into polling or counting centers, and carrying weapons near polling stations.
Access to polling and counting venues will be strictly limited to authorized personnel, voters, and approved representatives. Disturbances within 300 meters of polling centers are banned.
The directive explicitly bars campaigning that promotes hatred based on religion, caste, ethnicity, language, gender, or region. It also prohibits rhetoric undermining Nepal’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, or federal democratic republican system.
This provision reflects heightened sensitivity to divisive narratives in a politically fragmented landscape. By including protections for senior citizens, women, sexual and gender minorities, and persons with disabilities, the Commission signals an intent to safeguard inclusive democratic participation.
The Commission has encouraged citizens and political actors to report violations to Election Officers, Chief Election Officers, local administration, or directly to the Commission. This participatory monitoring model aims to expand oversight beyond institutional mechanisms.
The breadth of the 64-point directive underscores the Commission’s attempt to assert regulatory control in a competitive and often polarized political environment. However, the true test will lie in enforcement.
In its concluding appeal, the Commission has urged all parties and candidates to fully comply with the directive and contribute to an election that is free, fair, transparent, credible, and fear-free.
As political parties prepare to intensify their outreach within the limited campaign window, observers say adherence to the code will determine not only the credibility of the March 5 vote but also public trust in Nepal’s evolving democratic institutions.
