Silence Period Violated Online in Sudurpashchim Amidst Federal Elections

Dhangadhi. The silence period for the House of Representatives election scheduled for Thursday has begun. During the silence period, candidates, party leaders, and cadres are expected to remain quiet. This is the time for voters to make their decisions peacefully.

 However, while the practice of physically carrying flags has stopped in the Sudurpashchim Province, adherence to the silence period is not evident in the digital world.

According to the Election Commission, no kind of assembly, conference, seminar, or interaction is permitted during the silence period. This rule applies equally not only to physical presence but also to virtual (online) mediums.

The Commission has clearly stated, “No message, information, or promotional material in favor of or against any political party or candidate shall be posted or shared on social media, online, or any other medium.” This means it is completely forbidden to write ‘Vote for so-and-so’ or share old videos on Facebook, Twitter, or TikTok. 

But many candidates and their cadres here are making social media their main tool for campaigning. The bell of campaigning is still ringing on mobile phones. 

Candidates have not stopped posting appeals for votes through their official pages or via their cadres. Some are posting posters asking for votes for their party, while others are sharing photos marked with their election symbols. The Election Commission has clarified that it is monitoring this matter and action will be taken if the silence period is not observed.