KATHMANDU, March 14: The Election Commission (EC) has announced that the silence period for campaigning for the vice presidential election will be enforced from midnight today. The election to the post of vice-president is scheduled for March 17. The prohibition period comes into effect 48 hours before the polling day. That means the silence period will come into force from midnight of March 14 until the polling stations are closed.
Using the authority given by Section 22 of the Election Commission Act, 2073, the EC has issued the Election Code of Conduct, 2079, which will remain in effect from March 10 to March 17.
EC closely observing and monitoring by-election silence period
According to a statement issued by the spokesperson for the commission, Shaligram Sharma Paudyal, the silence period has been enforced to conduct the elections in a clean, free, fair, reliable, transparent and fear-free environment.
As per the Code of Conduct, public gatherings, processions, sloganeering etc cannot be done 48 hours before the polling. It is said that no sound system, SMS, social media and any other means can be used. There is a provision in the Code of Conduct that no musical instrument, public feasts, and walking with arms are allowed. Alcohol is also prohibited.
Astalakshmi Shakya (Bohra), Pramila Kumar Yadavi, Mamta Jha and Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav were nominated for the election. Pramila Kumari Yadav has already pledged her support to Ramsahay Prasad Yadav and withdrawn her candidacy.
