KATHMANDU, Dec 30: Individuals affiliated with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), development partner institutions, and their officials or employees are prohibited from participating in election campaigning, according to the Election Code of Conduct 2082 approved by the Election Commission (EC).
The code clearly states that NGOs, development partners, and their associated personnel are not allowed to engage in campaigning either in favor of or against any political party or candidate.
“Such organizations and their representatives are prohibited from conducting or supporting campaign activities, including laying foundation stones, inaugurating projects, carrying out surveys, feasibility studies, or providing grants during the election period,” the code states.
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They are also barred from allowing the use of their vehicles, buildings, or other resources for election-related activities, organizing or sponsoring political programs, meetings, or conferences, or supporting campaign activities in any form.
The code further specifies that, except for voter education activities conducted with prior approval or under standards set by the Election Commission, no political or election-related programs may be carried out.
NGOs and development partners are also prohibited from receiving any assistance, rewards, or materials intended to influence elections or voters. Likewise, they may not display or distribute election publicity materials of any political party or candidate within their offices, except for officially approved voter education materials.
The code explicitly bars individuals affiliated with such organizations from campaigning for or against any political party or candidate, either personally or on behalf of their institutions.
It also places restrictions on the use of social media. The code states that individuals linked to NGOs or development partners may not post, repost, share, comment on, tag, mention, or livestream political content—whether generated using artificial intelligence or not—in support of or opposition to any political party or candidate, nor may they seek votes through social media platforms.
The EC has emphasized that these provisions are meant to ensure neutrality, fairness, and integrity in the electoral process.
