Nepal’s poll preparation has entered the last phase as candidates wrap up their campaigning on Monday, before observing a two-day silence period to allow voters to make up their minds before exercising their right to franchise.

The Election Commission had allowed candidates and parties to engage in full-fledged electioneering for 15 days, starting February 16. As per the constitutional poll management body, campaigning and soliciting of votes are prohibited during the silence period that begins on Monday night.

“No election-related activity that includes political advertisements, social media campaigning, and the dissemination of any messages requesting a vote is allowed during the 48-hour period,” said Kul Bahadur GC, assistant spokesperson at the commission.

As per the Election Code of Conduct, which includes the provision for a silence period, all campaign materials of political parties or candidates placed within a 300-metre radius of polling stations must be removed once the silence period comes into force.

Similarly, posting, sharing, or disseminating any message, information, or campaign material in favour of or against any political party or candidate through social media, online platforms, print, or any other electronic medium is prohibited.

The code of conduct also states that from three hours before voting begins until the completion of the voting process, no one is allowed to obstruct voters or officials involved in conducting the polls at the polling centres.

Playing musical instruments, organising singing and dancing, hosting public feasts, holding processions, or any kind of gathering or ceremony, or creating or inciting crowds and disturbances have also been prohibited for 48 hours before the vote.

A total of 18,903,689 citizens have registered to vote on March 5. They will elect a 275-strong lower house, of which 165 will be elected under first-past-the-post and the remaining 110 under proportional representation.

“All necessary preparations for conducting, supervising and managing the election are in the final stage,” said GC.

With the poll just two days away, President Ramchandra Paudel and Prime Minister Sushila Karki, on Monday, have appealed to all eligible citizens to vote, describing it as a decisive moment for the country’s future.

Issuing a statement, Paudel said that the vote is not merely a constitutional process to choose representatives but a historic opportunity to broaden, make more credible, and make more resilient the journey of the federal democratic republic.

He said that even as Nepal has made notable achievements in institutionalising the federal system of governance and in delegating authority to the provincial and local levels, a lot remains to be done in areas such as good governance, social justice, accountable leadership, and service delivery.

“I believe the upcoming election will help institutionalise these aspirations and inject new energy into democracy. The vote should honour the dreams of earlier generations who fought long against authoritarianism and the martyrs who sacrificed their lives. It should also respond to the younger generation’s demand for good governance, transparency and accountability, and make our democratic practice more credible and mature,” said Paudel. “I am confident that this election will redefine the country’s journey towards development, prosperity, social justice and progress and take it to new heights.”

Stating that this election is a historic necessity to safeguard past achievements while moving towards new possibilities, he urged all political parties, candidates, civil society, media organisations and concerned institutions to stay fully committed to ensuring that the electoral process is conducted in a peaceful, free, fair and fearless environment.

Earlier on the day, Prime Minister Karki made a national address saying, “Voting is not merely about stamping a symbol. It is a decision about the future of you and your children.”

Referring to the period after the Gen Z movement, she called it “complex, sensitive and challenging,” marked by public anger and uncertainty. The government’s first duty, she said, had been to steer the country away from violence and back to the constitutional path.

“Today, we have crossed that difficult transition and moved forward with stability under the rule of law,” she said.

Karki urged political parties and candidates to maintain discipline, especially during the silence period, and thanked the Election Commission, security agencies and civil servants for their preparations to ensure free and fair polls.

She said the government was committed to conducting the election in a free, fair and fear-free manner, adding that all four security bodies had been mobilised to prevent any security lapses.

The prime minister also warned against misinformation on social and mainstream media, saying authorities were tracking and acting against those spreading fabricated content and misleading claims.

“There will be no impunity of any kind. The government will not step back from action as required by law,” she said.

Extending greetings on Holi ahead of the vote, she said the festival symbolises unity and goodwill and urged people to celebrate responsibly, without applying colours to anyone against their will.

On foreign affairs, Karki expressed concern over rising tensions in West Asia. She said the government was closely monitoring developments and prioritising the safety of Nepalis in the region.

“All Nepali missions in the region have been placed on alert to help with security, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is closely monitoring the situation,” she said.

Concluding her address, Karki said she had assumed office at a difficult moment and that the country’s direction would soon rest with the people’s chosen representatives. “In a few days, the country will be led by representatives you elect,” she said, urging voters to ensure peaceful and credible polls.