By-election silence period commencing from midnight today

Kathmandu, April 20 : The silence period of the by-election to the House of Representatives commences from midnight today. The by-election is taking place in Tanahu-1, Bara-1 and Chitwan-2 on April 23. The Election Code of Conduct, 2079, issued by the Election Commission on April 7 for the by-election has made provision for silence period from 48 hours before the voting day until the voting is closed in order to hold election in a free, fair and fear-free manner. Assistant Spokesperson at the EC, Surya Prasad Aryal, said the silence period would come into effect from midnight today till the polls are closed on April 23. Election campaigning and any type of discussion, interaction, assemblies, workshop and gatherings are prohibited during the silence period. The EC has drawn attention of all not to ask for votes through online, social site, print or any medium in favour or against any candidate or party. The EC urged the concerned sides not to publish and broadcast any press release or any content related to prediction about victory or defeat of a candidate through media, including social sites.