Editorial | Tune them out
Summary
Nepal's election silence period restricts campaign activities to ensure fair voting, but vote buying and social media violations continue despite regulations and monitoring efforts.
Key Points
- Nepal's election silence period prohibits campaign activities within 300 metres of polling stations and bans promotional materials and events.
- Violations such as vote buying, distributing gifts or free meals, and telephone solicitation persist during the silence period.
- Social media algorithms and posts pose challenges to enforcing the silence period due to indirect vote solicitation and overseas websites.
- The Election Commission monitors social media and enforces fines or termination of candidacy for violations, but past enforcement failures raise concerns.
