Kathmandu. The silent period has started under the Pratidhisiva member election to be held on Thursday. The campaigning period of political parties and candidates has ended from midnight today. The Election Commission had given time for political parties and candidates to campaign from February 4th till 12:00 midnight on Monday.

During the silent period, which lasts from 48 hours before voting until the end of voting, there is no campaigning, speech, meeting, discussion, review etc. During the silent period, asking for votes, posting, walking and other activities to influence the election are not allowed, according to the commission.

Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari informed that if any financial transactions are found to influence the election during the silent period, not only the candidature will be canceled but also he will not be allowed to participate in any election process for six years. The commission has made it clear that a zero-tolerance policy will be adopted on activities that affect the elections. The silent period is expected to create an opportunity for voters to cast their votes in a clean and free environment. The silent period is important for conducting elections in a fear-free environment with peace, security and order by making all kinds of arrangements for the election management bodies.