Kathmandu. KATHMANDU — Formal publicity for the election to the House of Representatives has begun from today.

As per the new provision, the election publicity rallies, mass meetings, corner meetings and publication or dissemination of election-related materials can be held 15 days prior to the day of the election.

As per the new provision, the political parties and candidates can campaign till 12:00 midnight on March 2. It is stated that the political parties, candidates and other stakeholders would be able to conduct election publicity by fully abiding by the election code of conduct by keeping the integrity of the election in priority. Under this system, the candidates of the political parties can formally ask for votes from the voters.

The Commission has been mobilizing various mechanisms for the implementation and monitoring of the code of conduct. It has made it clear that political parties and candidates will be asked to seek clarification on the violation of the code of conduct and do not have to take legal action.

The EC reminded that the code of conduct was formulated after extensive consultations with the political parties and stakeholders. All the political parties have expressed their commitment to fully abide by the code of conduct.

Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari said the EC has adopted a zero-tolerance policy in the incidents of violation of the election code of conduct. There is a legal provision that the EC will seek clarification from the violators and will be alerted on the basis of the evidence and condition of the violation, including penalties and cancellation of candidacy.

Similarly, the political parties and candidates can do advertisements in newspapers as well as online media on the basis of the set criteria. The concerned candidate has to submit the details of the expenditure incurred for the preparation of the forum to the election office either by themselves or through their representatives.

The EC has stated that the media should not disseminate such fake information, misinformation and malicious expression against any party or candidate during the elections through social and online networks or for the well-organised political interest with the objective of adversely affecting the elections.