| ECN Takes Action Against Media and Parties for Code of Conduct Violations
The Election Commission of Nepal is taking firm action to enforce the Election Code of Conduct, addressing violations by media outlets, journalists, political parties, and candidates. Recent complaints include Setopati’s reports predicting Chitwan-3 results, promotional posts by Sagarmatha Post Dotcom editors, and Gorkhapatra Sansthan changing its provincial coordinators. Of 66 parties and candidates asked for clarification, 32 responses are under review, with central and district-level monitoring actively ongoing.
While the number of violations may seem lower than in previous elections, the focus has shifted to digital misinformation, inflammatory online content, and symbolic misuse. The speed and reach of digital platforms complicate enforcement. TikTok Launches ‘Election Center’ in Nepal Ahead of Polls
TikTok has launched an in-app “Election Center” in Nepal to provide users with accurate, reliable, and official information ahead of the upcoming general elections. Developed in collaboration with the Election Commission of Nepal, the feature offers details on the voting process, how and where to vote, tips to identify misinformation, and direct links to official sources. TikTok also signed an MoU with the commission and conducted a capacity-building workshop to promote responsible digital participation. The company said the initiative reflects its commitment to election integrity, countering misinformation, labeling AI-generated content, and ensuring a safe digital environment during the election period. AI-Powered Election-focused Websites: A New Digital Tool
Ahead of the March 5 House of Representatives election, several AI-driven websites have emerged in Nepal to monitor, highlight, or promote political leaders. Platforms like sahakari.money focus on Ravi Lamichhane of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, detailing alleged cooperative fraud through timelines, PDFs, QR codes, and media statements, while muttonkaji.world documents corruption cases involving Nepali Congress leaders, listing allegations, amounts, and related news. Positive promotion sites, including mutton.world for Gagan Thapa and BalenForPM for Balendra Shah, highlight achievements and future plans.
Created using Vibe Coding by anonymous operators, these platforms reflect a growing trend of digital political accountability, branding, and targeted engagement ahead of the elections. However, they also risk violating the Election Code of Conduct, which prohibits campaigning against or discrediting any party or candidate, potentially influencing voter behavior. “My Voice Counts” Violates Election Code Ahead of HoR Polls
Election Commission has enforced the Election Code of Conduct from January 18, prohibiting opinion polls or publishing results that favor or discredit candidates. Despite this, a Facebook page named “My Voice Counts” has been conducting online polls targeting constituencies like Lalitpur-3, Jhapa-5, Kathmandu-1 & 3, and Sarlahi-4. From 12th January to 10th February, the page reportedly spent $1,665 (appox. Rs 240,000) on over 50 ads, ranking among Nepal’s top ad spenders. The platform also promoted a separate app downloaded 50,000+ times, collecting users’ personal information. Managed by individuals in Nepal and abroad, the page changed its name from “The Crowd Mind” to “My Voice Counts” in February 2025. Previously, similar survey platforms were banned for violating election rules, but this platform continues operations, potentially breaching the Code of Conduct. Nepal Proposes Legal Framework for Digital Currency Under NRB Act Amendment
The Ministry of Finance Nepal has introduced a draft amendment to the Nepal Rastra Bank Act, placing significant emphasis on recognizing digital and virtual currencies within the legal definition of “currency.” The proposal aims to provide a clear legal foundation for the issuance of a potential Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) and other digital payment instruments in the future. By formally incorporating digital currency into the law, the amendment seeks to modernize Nepal’s monetary framework in line with global financial and technological developments. | 
