Use of Children in Campaigning Strictly Prohibited

Kathmandu, Jan 3 — With 60 days remaining until Nepal’s parliamentary elections scheduled for February 21, the Election Commission has enforced a strict Election Code of Conduct, barring government and semi-government bodies from engaging in any political activity favoring or opposing political parties or candidates.

According to the Commission, state resources, funds, and assets must not be used to support or undermine any political party or candidate. Any interference with election management, voter education programs, or the manipulation, distortion, or alteration of election-related information and materials has been explicitly prohibited.

The Code also restricts the use of government, semi-government, public institutions, universities, schools, and colleges for election-related gatherings, meetings, or campaign activities. Political parties and candidates are barred from producing, distributing, displaying, or wearing campaign-related materials bearing party symbols, including jackets, shirts, vests, T-shirts, caps, scarves, masks, lockets, stickers, logos, bags, badges, or tattoos.

Campaigning on private or institutional property without the consent of the owner is not permitted. Importantly, the Code of Conduct explicitly prohibits the use of children in any form of election campaigning, reinforcing Nepal’s commitment to child protection and ethical electoral practices.

Additionally, the organization of rallies, mass meetings, corner meetings, or processions that disrupt public transportation or daily life has been banned. The spread of false, misleading, or hate-driven content on social media platforms during the election period is also prohibited under the Code.

The Election Commission stated that the measures aim to ensure a free, fair, peaceful, and credible electoral process, urging all stakeholders to strictly comply with the Code of Conduct throughout the election period.