Kathmandu, September 14

The poll silence period will begin tomorrow at midnight in all 136 local levels of the eight districts of Province 2 where civic polls would be held on September 18.

The EC, citing the Local Level Elections Directive 2017, has barred political parties and their candidates, independents and all others concerned from carrying out election campaign activities during the period..

Likewise, the polls panel has banned election symbols and election publicity materials within a periphery of 300 metres from polling centres, poll campaigning on social networking sites and use of SMS services. The silence period starts 48 hours before polling day.

The EC has asked all concerned to comply with the election code of conduct by not using symbolic materials such as clothes, caps, stickers, logos, bags, towels and tattoos that carry election symbols of poll candidates during the silence period. The EC has warned of action against those who violate the poll code.

EC Spokesperson Nabaraj Dhakal said security agencies would seal the border from midnight.  According to the election directive, borders should be sealed 72 hours before voting day. All eight districts of Province 2  share border with India.