Election countdown: 78 days left as EC tightens campaign rules

Kathmandu, Dec 17: With 78 days remaining for the House of Representatives (HoR) election scheduled for March 5, the Election Commission (EC) has introduced new restrictions on the use of party flags during election campaigning.

Under the proposed election code of conduct, political parties will be allowed to carry a maximum of 10 flags while campaigning. The provision has been introduced to prevent the misuse of flags during the election period.

According to the EC, party offices or election candidates may place a fabric flag measuring 3 by 4 feet or install a signboard of the same size. However, the use of digital boards, flex banners, glued signboards, or audio-visual materials in the form of flags will not be permitted.

The proposed code of conduct also reiterates that political parties and candidates should not visit voters’ doorsteps in groups exceeding 25 people.

In addition, the EC has proposed further restrictions on campaign activities involving musical bands and pageants as part of efforts to make election campaigning more disciplined and cost-effective.