Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Political parties and candidates can officially begin their campaigning for the House of Representatives elections scheduled for March 5 from Monday.
According to the election program published by the Election Commission (EC), candidates and political parties can campaign for the next two weeks until the 72-hour silent period kicks in on March 2.
However, political parties and candidates had already been campaigning in the name of closed-door meetings with voters and attending other programs organized by their respective parties.
Political parties and candidates can now organize rallies, mass gatherings, and corner meetings as part of their campaign activities, and may publish or broadcast election-related materials in the media.
The EC has allowed political parties and candidates to advertise in newspapers as well as online media outlets in accordance with the prescribed standards. However, candidates must submit details of expenses incurred for setting up stages and organizing mass or corner meetings to the concerned election office, either personally or through a representative, within 35 days of the publication of the final election results.
The Commission has also warned candidates and political parties against disseminating misinformation, disinformation, or hateful expressions through social media, online platforms, or organized efforts driven by vested political interests, especially if such actions are aimed at harming any party or candidate or adversely affecting the election process.
