The Election Commission of Nepal has set a 15-day period for election campaigning for the House of Representatives elections, directing all stakeholders to fully comply with the election code of conduct. According to the commission, political parties and candidates are permitted to campaign from midnight of February 16 until midnight of March 2, as per the approved schedule. The Election Commission (EC) has issued a detailed 64-point guideline for political parties and candidates contesting the elections, limiting campaigning to March 2, including rallies, door-to-door campaigning, public assemblies, corner meetings, and the publication or broadcasting of campaign materials. The EC has warned parties and candidates against obstructing voters' rights through intimidation, threats, coercion, harassment, social boycott, bribery, economic inducement, or religious provocation. These directives emphasize that no individual shall obstruct candidates from contesting, campaigning, or voters from exercising their right to vote. The Commission strictly prohibits the use of weapons, threats, inducements, or any actions that could harm social reputation or disrupt public order.
Giving or receiving cash, in-kind gifts, prizes, donations, or organizing public feasts for campaign purposes is strictly prohibited. Campaign activities must also respect Nepal's independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, national unity, freedom, and dignity, and must not undermine the competitive multi-party federal democratic republican system. Actions that incite violence or hatred based on language, religion, community, caste, or region are forbidden. Candidates and their family members are barred from engaging in character assassination, threats, or intimidation to influence election results.
For campaign materials, the EC allows the distribution of leaflets up to 75 grams and 300 square inches with a single color and the printer's name. Posters, wall writings, banners, digital displays, or similar materials are prohibited. Leaflets cannot be posted on religious, historical, archaeological, government, public, or private properties. Sound systems may be used only for assembly-related announcements.
From 48 hours before polling until vote counting is complete, parties and candidates are banned from organizing assemblies, rallies, or shouting slogans to influence voters.
The guidelines also forbid using government, provincial, local body, educational, or NGO vehicles for rallies. Government employees, security personnel, and public property cannot be used for campaigning. Financial support from the government, public, or non-government organizations must follow legal procedures, and any contribution above Rs 25,000 must be deposited in a separate bank account, with all expenditures properly documented.
Displaying flags, party or candidate symbols on private homes, public buildings, parks, streets, poles, or other public places without permission is prohibited. Children cannot be used in rallies or campaigns. Campaigning outside official offices using flags, symbols, digital boards, flex boards, or audio-visual materials is also barred.
The directives explicitly state that all forms of campaigning, both online and offline, must strictly adhere to the Election Code of Conduct, including limits on rallies, media promotions, and publicity materials. The Commission has warned that any breach of the 64-point directives could result in strict enforcement action, including penalties under electoral law, to ensure a free, fair, and credible election.
