Ensuring Free and Fair Polls

With the House of Representatives (HoR) election scheduled for March 5 approaching, the Election Commission (EC) has introduced a stringent code of conduct in response to previous violations and emerging threats. The code, effective from January 15, reflects the EC's effort to stay ahead of strategies by parties or individuals that could influence voters’ choices, particularly through digital platforms. Notably, for the first time, the code explicitly addresses the misuse of AI and social media. It prohibits deepfakes, disinformation, hate speech, misrepresentation through fake accounts, and other organized online activities intended to deceive voters and manipulate choices. Opinion polls and predictions remain banned from the nomination period until voting. On the ground, the EC has prohibited rallies that impede public movement, campaigns in schools and public institutions, and the involvement of children, as well as materials featuring electoral symbols. Overall campaign expenditure is capped—ranging from Rs 2.5 million to Rs 3.3 million depending on the constituency—and must be processed through designated bank accounts, with reporting due within 35 days after the election.