National Flag Election Rules Enforced by Election Commission

25th January 2026, Kathmandu

The Election Commission of Nepal (ECN) has issued a strict directive regarding the National Flag Election Rules, aiming to preserve the dignity of the national symbol during the intense campaigning for the House of Representatives elections scheduled for March 5, 2026 (Falgun 21, 2082). Under the newly reinforced Election Code of Conduct 2082, political parties and independent candidates are now strictly prohibited from using more than ten national flags during any single campaign event, including rallies, mass meetings, or door-to-door visits.

National Flag Election Rules

This regulation marks a significant departure from previous election cycles where the national flag was often used indiscriminately as a tool to signal “patriotic” credentials. The Commission has emphasized that while the national flag is a symbol of sovereignty and unity belonging to all citizens, its overuse as a campaign prop by specific partisan groups risks politicizing the emblem and diminishing its sanctity.

Key Provisions of the New Flag Directive

The directive applies to all forms of public engagement and mobilization. The specific constraints introduced by the Election Commission include:

Numerical Limit: A maximum of ten national flags may be displayed at any public assembly, corner meeting, or procession.

Proportional Display: The national flag must not be larger or more prominent than the respective political party’s flag when displayed together.

Prohibition of Misuse: The flag cannot be draped around bodies, used as clothing, or printed on commercial campaign merchandise such as t-shirts, caps, or bags.

Dignity Clause: Flags must be handled with care; dragging them on the ground or leaving them discarded after a rally is a punishable offense under the Criminal Code.

Context: The “Green Election” and Digital Shift

The tightening of the National Flag Election Rules is part of the Commission’s broader push toward a “Green Election” for the 2082 cycle. In addition to limiting physical flags, the ECN has introduced several other restrictive measures to reduce waste and ensure a level playing field:

Banner Size Restrictions: Candidates are prohibited from using banners larger than 3 feet by 4 feet.

Vehicle Limits: Each candidate is permitted only two vehicles for campaigning purposes.

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Digital Priority: The Commission has explicitly encouraged digital campaigning over paper and plastic materials. However, paid promotions on foreign social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube remain strictly banned.

Time Constraints: Physical campaigning is only permitted between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM to minimize public disturbance.

Legal Penalties and Enforcement

Violations of the National Flag Election Rules are being taken seriously. The Election Commission has delegated monitoring authority to local level “Election Monitoring Teams” and the District Administration Offices. According to the Election Commission Act 2073, penalties for violating the Code of Conduct can be severe:

Fines: Candidates or parties found in breach may face fines of up to 100,000 rupees.

Candidacy Revocation: In cases of repeated or egregious violations, the Commission maintains the authority to cancel a candidate’s registration.

Future Barring: Offenders can be barred from contesting any public office for a period of up to six years.

Legal experts and civil society groups have largely welcomed the move. “The national flag represents the entire nation and nationality, not a party or individual divided in opinion,” stated veteran legal analysts. By capping the number of flags, the Commission aims to return the focus of the campaign to policy agendas and commitments rather than symbolic grandstanding.

Impact on Political Strategy

With the 35-day official campaigning window approaching, political parties are having to rethink their visual branding. The traditional sight of hundreds of national flags waving during major rallies at Tundikhel or provincial capitals will be replaced by more modest displays. Political leaders have been urged to educate their cadres on these new rules to avoid accidental disqualifications.

The enforcement of these rules also addresses a growing public grievance regarding the “national flag wars” seen in recent protests and demonstrations. By setting a clear limit of ten flags, the Commission provides a measurable standard that can be easily monitored by the public and election observers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the National Flag Election Rules represent a vital step toward professionalizing the electoral process in Nepal. By restricting the number of flags and emphasizing respect for national symbols, the Election Commission is upholding the decorum of the state while ensuring that the 2082 House of Representatives elections remain fair and focused on substance. As the March 5 election date draws near, the adherence to these rules will serve as a litmus test for the ethical standards of Nepal’s political landscape.

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