Nepal Election Technology Misuse Warning Issued Ahead of Polls
18th February 2026, Kathmandu
As Nepal approaches the final fifteen day countdown to the House of Representatives elections scheduled for March 5, 2026 (Falgun 21, 2082), the Election Commission has intensified its regulatory focus on the intersection of digital technology and democratic processes. Under the leadership of Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari, the commission has issued a formal appeal to all political parties, candidates, and social media users to adhere strictly to the Election Code of Conduct 2082. The primary concern driving this latest advisory is the potential for artificial intelligence and sophisticated digital tools to be used in the creation of deepfakes, manipulated audio, and synthetic video content that could irreparably damage the reputations of candidates or mislead the voting public during the critical pre election phase.
Nepal Election Technology Misuse
The Election Code of Conduct 2082, which came into official effect on January 18, 2026, includes pioneering provisions specifically designed to address the risks posed by emerging technologies. For the first time in Nepal’s electoral history, the code explicitly prohibits the use of artificial intelligence to generate false or deceptive content intended to influence election results. This includes a total ban on the dissemination of deepfake videos, where a candidate’s likeness or voice is digitally altered to make them appear to say or do things that never occurred. The commission has noted that the speed at which such content can go viral makes it a potent threat to electoral neutrality, as even a single night of digital misinformation can sway the opinions of undecided voters before a correction can be issued.
To enforce these digital standards, the Election Commission has established the Election Information Dissemination and Coordination Center (EIDC), which works in tandem with a specialized Information Integrity Promotion Unit. This unit utilizes an advanced AI based software known as E Monitor Plus, developed with technical assistance from international partners and supported by the cyber cells of the Nepal Police and the Nepali Army. The E Monitor Plus system is trained to scan popular social media platforms—including Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube—for keywords related to the election. It analyzes the sentiment and authenticity of viral posts, identifying potential misinformation and toxic content in real time. When a violation is detected, the commission has the authority to request immediate content removal from the platforms and can impose fines of up to 100,000 rupees or even cancel a candidate’s eligibility.
Another critical area of concern highlighted in the latest advisory is the publication of premature poll surveys and speculative predictions of election outcomes. The commission has clarified that conducting or broadcasting opinion polls that predict winners and losers during the election period is strictly prohibited. Such surveys are seen as having a psychological impact on voters, potentially leading to a bandwagon effect or discouraging supporters of candidates who are portrayed as trailing in the polls. Media houses and research institutions are instructed to refrain from sharing such data until the official voting process has concluded. This regulation is part of a broader effort to protect the independent decision making capacity of the sovereign voter, ensuring that their choice is based on the official manifestos and public discourse rather than statistical projections.
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The commission has also taken a firm stance on digital financial transactions and the boosting of political content on social media. The current code of conduct prohibits paid election advertisements on foreign social media platforms because these companies operate outside of Nepal’s direct legal jurisdiction. While candidates are allowed to share their agendas and commitments on their own verified pages and official websites, they are barred from paying for sponsored content or targeted advertising that uses demographic data to influence specific groups of people. This measure is intended to ensure a level playing field, preventing wealthier candidates or parties from dominating the digital discourse through sheer financial power.
Beyond the legal and technical aspects, the Election Commission is emphasizing the concept of collective responsibility. Acting Chief Commissioner Bhandari has frequently stated that the preservation of democratic integrity is not solely the task of the commission but requires the cooperation of all citizens. Media organizations are urged to double down on fact checking and verification before broadcasting any sensational claims involving political figures. Furthermore, voters are encouraged to be critical consumers of digital information and to report any suspicious or AI generated content through the official channels provided by the commission. This citizen led monitoring approach is vital in a country where social media penetration is high and the viral nature of content often bypasses traditional gatekeepers.
In conclusion, the Nepal election technology misuse warning for the 2082 polls marks a significant evolution in the country’s electoral management. By proactively addressing the challenges of AI, deepfakes, and speculative polling, the Election Commission is attempting to safeguard the foundational principles of a free and fair election. As the countdown to March 5 continues, the effectiveness of the E Monitor Plus system and the adherence to the digital code of conduct will be under close scrutiny by both domestic and international observers. The ultimate goal is to ensure that technology serves as a tool for voter education and democratic engagement rather than a weapon for manipulation and discord.
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