Social media and election campaigns

The code of conduct’s ability to address the rapid evolution of digital campaigning remains uncertain.

In a week, Nepal will elect new members of parliament, leading to the appointment of a new Prime Minister. As social media becomes a primary news source for many, it has also become a new avenue for political communication, engagement and influence. The growing digital dimension of political debates has real-world consequences, shaping voters’ perspectives far beyond the online realm. Therefore, it is interesting to observe how digital platforms are being mobilised for elections, the role of the election code of conduct in enforcing ethical guidelines and standards for such campaign behaviour, and its ultimate impact on voter opinions and the election outcome.