By-election silence period comes into effect

KATHMANDU: The silence period of the by-election to the House of Representatives has come into effect from today.

The by-election is taking place in Tanahu-1, Bara-1 and Chitwan-2 on April 23.

The Election Code of Conduct, 2079, issued by the Election Commission on April 7 for the by-election has made provision for the silence period from 48 hours before the voting day until the voting is closed in order to hold the election in a free, fair and fear-free manner.

Assistant Spokesperson at the EC, Surya Prasad Aryal, said the silence period came into effect from Thursday midnight till the polls are closed on April 23.

Election campaigning and any type of discussion, interaction, assemblies, workshops and gatherings are prohibited during the silence period.

The EC has drawn the attention of all not to ask for votes online, on social sites, in print, or in any medium in favor or against any candidate or party.

The EC urged the concerned sides not to publish and broadcast any press release or any content related to predictions about the victory or defeat of a candidate through media, including social sites.