Safeguarding Nepal’s Elections in the Digital Age: Challenges of Mis/Disinformation and Online Abuse ________________ The Election Commission’s recent warning underscores how digital platforms are challenging the enforcement of Nepal’s election code ahead of the March 5, 2026 election. As campaigning, political debate, and voter engagement increasingly move online, traditional regulatory tools struggle to keep pace with the rapid, large-scale, and often anonymous nature of digital communication. While digital platforms have expanded access to information and facilitated direct voter outreach, they have also been exploited to spread propaganda, misinformation, and hate speech, especially during polarized election periods. False and misleading content often spreads faster than official corrections, eroding public trust in democratic institutions. Recent incidents in Nepal highlight these risks: misleading claims about candidate disqualifications, AI-generated images of Ashika Tamang allegedly joining the Rastriya Swatantra Party, gendered abuse toward figures like Ranju Darshana, and manipulated content involving leaders such as Balen Shah. These examples show how digital platforms are used to shape narratives, incite hatred, and deepen divisions, disproportionately affecting women and public figures and turning elections into hotspots for online abuse rather than democratic debate. These concerns are not unique to Nepal but are part of a global trend. In 2024’s global “super election year,” over 70 elections saw platforms like Facebook, X, TikTok, WhatsApp, and YouTube used to spread misinformation, hate speech, and divisive content. Reduced moderation, targeted ads, deepfakes, and foreign interference fueled polarization and weakened voter trust worldwide. Though not always decisive, these tactics erode democratic trust and normalize harmful online behavior. The Election Commission’s emphasis on inter-agency coordination, regulatory oversight, and a mix of awareness-raising and punitive measures is critical. However, effective enforcement demands strong legal mandates, institutional capacity, meaningful engagement with political parties and platforms, and proactive monitoring. Without these, the gap between the Election Code of Conduct and its digital enforcement risks widening, threatening the fairness and credibility of Nepal’s elections. | | | - Security Agencies Step Up Preparations for Upcoming Elections: Nepal’s security agencies have intensified preparations for the upcoming HOR election under the Integrated Security Plan 2082. The Nepal Army will deploy around 80,000 personnel in three phases, covering pre-election security, third-tier support on polling day, and post-election ballot transport and vote counting. Similarly, Nepal Police will strengthen crime control, border security, and lawful crowd management to ensure a free and fear-free election. In coordination with Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and local authorities, joint training and security workshops are underway.
- Social Media Content Linked to Localised Tensions in Multiple Districts: Incidents linked to social media content allegedly hurting religious sentiments led to tensions and unrest has been observed in Dhanusha, Birgunj, and Suddhodhan. Tensions escalated after two Muslim youths uploaded a TikTok video on Poush 19 that allegedly hurt Hindu religious sentiments, followed by response videos containing offensive remarks against Islam. The circulation of these videos led to unrest in Dhanusha and Birgunj, leading to detention of multiple individuals in Dhanusha and Birgunj, and investigations into the misuse of social media content. A similar incident was reported in Suddhodhan, where authorities timely intervened.
- Nepal to Secure World Bank Loan for Digital Nepal Transformation: The Government of Nepal has decided to take approximately $7.2 billion concessional loan from the World Bank for the Digital Nepal Transformation project, following Cabinet approval on 26 December, 2025. The funding will support the implementation of initiatives to strengthen digital infrastructure and expand digital services across the country.
- Accident Insurance arranged for Poll Staff : Election Commission of Nepal has arranged accident insurance worth NPR 2 million for employees deployed in the upcoming elections through Rastriya Beema Company. On Poush 13, the Commission insured 213,161 election personnel for coverage periods ranging from 15 to 90 days. The move aims to ensure the safety and security of staff involved in election duties and reflects the Commission’s efforts to strengthen preparedness and risk management ahead of the polls.
| | | Decoding the Election Code of Conduct | | | The Election Commission of Nepal (ECN) has approved the Election Code of Conduct, 2082 for the House of Representatives elections scheduled on March 5, 2026, aiming to ensure clean, free, fair, transparent, impartial, and cost-effective elections. The Election Commission of Nepal (ECN) has notified the government that the Election Code of Conduct will take effect on January 17, 2026. The Code applies to all stakeholders in the electoral process, emphasizing neutrality and the strict prohibition on misuse of state resources. Below are some of the major components of the published Code of Conduct : - Prohibition of Symbolic Materials: Production, use, or sale of vests, t-shirts, caps, stickers, or logos featuring election symbols is prohibited.
- Use of Private Property: Political activities or campaigning on private land or houses require the owner’s prior consent.
- Child Protection: Children must not be used in any election-related campaigning or activities.
- Public Order: Rallies and meetings must not obstruct public movement or take place in prohibited areas/times.
- Misinformation: Disseminating false, misleading, or hateful information on social media is strictly prohibited.
- AI Usage: Artificial Intelligence (AI) must not be used to insult, defame, or spread hate speech against candidates or to influence the election.
- Fake Accounts: Operating fake accounts or sites to adversely affect the election is forbidden.
- Campaigning Restrictions: Ministers and local executive members cannot participate in campaigns unless they are candidates themselves (in their own constituency) or have obtained Commission approval for specific locations.
- Inaugurations and Grants: Foundations stone-laying ceremonies, inaugurations, or the distribution of new grants and rewards are prohibited.
| | | | This weekly newsletter is jointly produced by ‘Accountability Lab Nepal’ and ‘Digital Rights Nepal’ to provide meaningful information to counter misinformation and common misconceptions regarding Nepal’s 2026 House of Representatives Election. It aims to promote electoral integrity and enable informed citizenry by delivering non-partisan, evidence-based analysis, and rights-oriented perspective. It does not endorse or oppose any political party or candidates. The data presented here is synthesized from diverse credible sources, including government agencies, international organizations, news media, social platforms, and our extensive local networks. We select the topics based on their prevalence, relevance, and potential societal impact, ensuring all information is accurate and verified at the time of publication. | | | | |
