Formal campaigning for the House of Representatives elections will be allowed from today.

There is a provision that rallies, public meetings, corner meetings and publication or broadcasting of election-related materials in the media can be held only 15 days before the polling day.

According to the same provision, political parties and candidates can campaign for the election from today until midnight on Falgun 18. It has been stated that parties, candidates and other stakeholders can campaign for the election by fully complying with the election code of conduct, keeping the integrity of the election as a high priority. Within the same provision, political party candidates will be able to formally ask for votes from voters.

The commission is mobilizing various mechanisms for the implementation and monitoring of the code of conduct. It has been clarified that political parties and candidates should not be forced to write letters to ask for clarifications or take legal action regarding violations of the code of conduct.

The Commission has reminded that the code of conduct was formulated after extensive discussions with political parties and stakeholders. All political parties have expressed their commitment to fully comply with the code of conduct.

Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari informed that the Commission has adopted a zero tolerance policy in cases of violation of the code of conduct. There is a legal provision for the Commission to ask for explanations from violators and, based on the evidence and circumstances of the violation, to issue warnings, fines and even cancellation of candidacy.

Similarly, parties and candidates will be able to advertise in newspapers and magazines as well as online media based on the prescribed criteria. The details of the expenses incurred for preparing the stage during public meetings and corner meetings for election campaigning will have to be submitted to the election office by the concerned candidate himself or through a representative.