Smithu Ghising Tamang

As Nepal prepares for its House of Representatives March 5 elections, the focus now shifts to Code of Conduct and its adherence . The Election Commission has already enforced the Election Code of Conduct for all sides concerned.

The Code outlines ethical responsibilities for all stakeholders at a time when political campaigning is at its peak, physically as well as digitally.

With more youths in the election fray as well as voters roll, digital spaces are for the first time being scrutinized with hi-tech mechanisms.

Election Commission and Poll Officials

At the core of the electoral process is the Election Commission itself. Officials are required to ensure impartial administration, transparency, and timely communication, including in the digital space.
5. DOs:
✔ Act impartially
✔ Ensure transparency
✔ Provide timely digital updates
✔ Handle complaints fairly
✔ Counter misinformation
5. DON’Ts:
✖ Favor any party or candidate
✖ Delay official clarification
✖ Ignore digital violations
✖ Suppress information
✖ Act without accountability

Political Parties

Political parties are required to campaign responsibly, disclose expenses, and strictly observe silence-period restrictions, both offline and online.
5 DOs:
✔ Follow EC campaign schedules
✔ Disclose campaign spending
✔ Use verified digital platforms
✔ Promote issue-based agenda
✔ Respect green election guidelines
5 DON’Ts:
✖ Use state resources
✖ Spread hate or misinformation (fake accounts)
✖ Run undisclosed digital ads
✖ Campaign during silence period
✖ Exploit religion or identity

Election Candidates

Candidates are bound by spending limits, truthfulness, and ethical conduct, especially in online campaigning.
5 DOs:
✔ Spend within allocated ceiling
✔ Present accurate credentials
✔ Campaign respectfully
✔ Use eco-friendly outreach
✔ Comply with digital rules
5 DON’Ts:
✖ Buy votes physically or digitally
✖ Defame opponents
✖ Mislead voters online
✖ Use deepfake content
✖ Influence voters near polling stations

Government Officials and Civil Employees

Civil employment are required to maintain political neutrality at all times, including on social media.
5 DOs:
✔ Remain politically neutral
✔ Perform routine duties only
✔ Follow EC directives
✔ Maintain institutional integrity
✔ Avoid public endorsements
5 DON’Ts:
✖ Attend campaign events
✖ Use official platforms politically
✖ Influence voters
✖ Misuse public resources
✖ Engage in offline/online campaigning

Security Agencies

Security agencies are tasked with ensuring a safe and neutral election environment.
5 DOs:
✔ Maintain neutrality
✔ Protect polling stations
✔ Ensure voter safety
✔ Act proportionately
✔ Coordinate with EC
5 DON’Ts:
✖ Support political groups
✖ Intimidate voters
✖ Interfere in voting
✖ Use excessive force
✖ Ignore EC deployment plans

Mass Media

Media institutions play a crucial role in shaping public opinion and must adhere to strict professional standards.
5 DOs:
✔ Provide balanced coverage
✔ Verify information
✔ Label paid political content
✔ Follow silence-period rules
✔ Promote voter awareness

Be fair

5 DON’Ts:
✖ Broadcast opinion as news
✖ Air unverified content
✖ Promote any candidate
✖ Publish exit polls early
✖ Amplify hate speech

Journalists and Media Persons

Individual journalists are expected to uphold neutrality and credibility, including on personal digital platforms.
5 DOs:
✔ Maintain professional neutrality
✔ Fact-check before posting
✔ Disclose conflicts of interest
✔ Follow ethical journalism norms
✔ Educate audiences responsibly
5 DON’Ts:
✖ Act as campaigners
✖ Accept gifts or benefits
✖ Share unverified political content
✖ Express partisan views on duty
✖ Blur lines between news and opinion

Voters and Digital Public

Voters, too, carry ethical responsibility, especially in the digital age.
5 DOs:
✔ Verify information before sharing
✔ Vote freely and responsibly
✔ Respect differing opinions
✔ Report violations
✔ Follow polling-day rules
5 DON’Ts:
✖ Accept inducements
✖ Spread misinformation
✖ Campaign during silence period
✖ Intimidate other voters
✖ Share false results online
As Nepal moves toward election day, the Election Commission has reiterated that ethical conduct, digital discipline, and collective responsibility are essential to safeguarding democratic integrity.