Candidates in Kanchanpur Embrace Digital Platforms for Election Campaigning

Kanchanpur. As the House of Representatives elections draw near, candidates in all three constituencies of this district have begun using social media and 'digital platforms' as the main tool for their election campaigning.

Candidates are intensifying their campaign efforts by utilizing platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter (X) as effective means to deliver messages to a large number of voters in a short time. Tek Bahadur Hamal, former chairman of the then Jhalari VDC, states that social media is establishing itself as an important forum for citizens to exercise freedom of expression, participate in public discourse, and create pressure to hold the government accountable.

“In our time, there was a lot of campaigning through microphone announcements, wall writing, distributing pamphlets, and pasting them everywhere; this time the election is not much like before,” he said. “Most candidates have made digital platforms the primary medium for their election campaigning.”

Even if candidates do not meet voters directly door-to-door, voters are now able to learn about their commitments and agendas via mobile phones through social media, according to him. He notes that activities ranging from expanding social connections to entrepreneurship and the digital economy are being conducted through social media. Embracing this environment, candidates in Kanchanpur have also focused their election campaign on digital mediums. He mentioned that this has helped in making election campaigning costs economical.

Most major party and independent candidates contesting in constituencies 1, 2, and 3 of the district are publicly sharing their daily schedules, door-to-door visits, cadre meetings, interactions, and rally activities through social media. According to former teacher Raj Bahadur Saud, since time and resources are limited, not all candidates can reach every voter's doorstep, making digital platforms an alternative and effective means of publicity.

Candidates are presenting the main points of their manifestos, development agendas, and priority issues through videos, posters, live broadcasts, and messages on social media. “There is a growing trend of creating short video content targeting the youth segment and promoting them through TikTok and Facebook Reels,” Saud said.

According to Habaldar Chaudhary, a member of the Nepali Congress Publicity Committee and Deputy Secretary for Province (B), digital campaigning is being prioritized because it allows reaching more voters at a lower cost through social media.

“Traditional rallies and door-to-door programs are necessary, but it is not possible to reach everywhere simultaneously in a short time,” he said. “Through social media, the same content can reach thousands of voters instantly, which is why we have emphasized its use in publicity activities.”

He added that social media also provides an opportunity for direct interaction between candidates and voters. He stated, “Voters are expressing their queries by posting comments, messages, or questions during live programs, and candidates are clarifying their plans by responding to them.” This, he believes, has made the electoral debate more open and participatory.

Challenges have also emerged with the use of social media. The Election Office has been cautioning candidates to adhere to the code of conduct, keeping in mind the possibility of misinformation, unverified content, and negative campaigning against competitors. Social media has now established itself not just as a medium for entertainment but as a powerful platform for political, social, and economic activities.

It has become an effective medium for delivering messages, especially to young voters residing in urban areas and those with digital access. Fifty-five candidates are in the electoral contest across the three constituencies of Kanchanpur. Many of them have activated their official Facebook pages, TikTok accounts, and other digital mediums. Some have formed professional digital teams to create content and determine campaign strategies, while some candidates are engaging directly through social media themselves.

Despite the growing influence of digital campaigning, the importance of direct interaction remains in rural areas. Therefore, candidates are advancing physical programs and digital promotion in a balanced manner. It is expected that if social media is used while adhering to transparency, accountability, and the code of conduct, it will further strengthen the democratic process.