Election Commission Bans Boosted Political Ads On Social Media

 

Kathmandu: The Election Commission has banned paid or boosted election advertisements on social media for the upcoming elections. The restriction has been enforced through the Election Code of Conduct, 2082, with the aim of ensuring free, fair, and impartial polls.

Under the code, publishing or broadcasting election-related promotional content through foreign media platforms is prohibited. As platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and X operate from outside Nepal, paid political advertisements on these platforms will not be allowed.

However, political parties and candidates may publish campaign materials on their own official websites and official social media pages without paying for promotion. Organic posts and information sharing from verified accounts remain permitted.

Only online news portals registered with the Department of Information and Broadcasting and listed with the Press Council Nepal will be allowed to carry election advertisements. Such portals must clearly label roadblocks, content blocks, and banner advertisements as paid content.

The code also prohibits election propaganda on other digital platforms, including non-registered websites, TV scrolls, digital billboards in shopping malls, and ATM displays.

Special emphasis has been placed on the misuse of technology. The Commission has warned that even limited misinformation in the digital space can influence democratic processes. The code strictly bans the use of artificial intelligence to spread misleading content, manipulate audio or video through deepfakes, or promote hate speech.

Creating fake social media accounts or pages to influence elections has also been prohibited. Posting, sharing, commenting, tagging, or live streaming content for or against a party or candidate falls under the code’s monitoring framework. Voters, too, are barred from disseminating false or misleading information online.

To strengthen enforcement, the Commission will use electronic media and digital tools to monitor violations. Monitoring teams are authorized to record evidence digitally, including video documentation.

The code also provides legal recognition for the use of electronic voting machines and digital ballot systems where approved. However, the use of mobile phones, cameras, or drones inside polling stations without permission is prohibited.

This election cycle also introduces the concept of “green elections.” The Commission has encouraged candidates to prioritize digital campaigning over paper and plastic materials. Campaign materials may be published only through official websites or verified social media pages.

Violations of the code related to social media or technology use may result in fines of up to Rs 100,000 or, in serious cases, cancellation of candidacy under the Election Commission Act, 2073.

पछिल्लो अध्यावधिक: पुस १४, २०८२ १३:४०

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