Election Commission Orders Strict Poll Silence, Vehicle Ban on Voting Day

The Election Commission has asked the Ministry of Home Affairs to stop any activities that are not allowed during the election period and to immediately inform the Commission if any rules are broken.

The Commission has told the Home Ministry to instruct all Chief District Officers and security agencies to strictly follow the election code of conduct. The campaign silence period will begin at 12:00 pm on March 2, and no election campaigning will be allowed after that time.

It has also asked officials under the District Code of Conduct Monitoring Committee to closely monitor the situation and report what action is taken against people who break the law. These actions are based on the Election (Offences and Punishments) Act, 2073, and the Election Code of Conduct, 2082.

The Commission has directed authorities to stop the sale, distribution, and drinking of alcohol starting seven days before voting day until the final results are announced.

On voting day, all public and private vehicles will be banned from operating from 12:00 pm on March 4 until the evening of March 5. However, essential service vehicles such as ambulances, fire engines, hearses, blood service vehicles, security vehicles, and vehicles used for electricity, water, sanitation, and telecommunications work will be allowed. Vehicles belonging to diplomatic missions and those with official election passes can also operate.

The Commission has clarified that domestic and international flights will run as usual on voting day. Passengers with valid tickets can travel to and from airports using vehicles arranged by airlines or private services.

According to election security and voting rules, voters must carry their voter identity card or another valid document when they go to vote. Accepted documents include a citizenship certificate, national identity card, passport, land ownership certificate, or driving license.

Security staff and polling officers have been told to allow people listed on the voter roll to vote if they show any of these valid documents.

The Commission has also said that a special unit will be set up at its Secretariat to distribute vehicle passes for voting day. This unit will include two officials from the Election Commission and two from the District Administration Office in Kathmandu.