Digital platforms emerge as key tool in election campaigns in Kanchanpur

Kanchanpur: As the House of Representatives elections draw near, candidates across all three constituencies in Kanchanpur have increasingly adopted social media and digital platforms as primary tools for election campaigning.

Candidates have intensified their outreach efforts through platforms such as TikTok, Facebook and Twitter, using them as effective means to connect with a large number of voters in a short period of time. Former Jhalari VDC Chairman Tek Bahadur Hamal said that social media has become an important space for citizens to exercise freedom of expression, engage in public debate and create pressure for government accountability.

“In the past, miking, graffiti, and distributing pamphlets and posters were common campaign methods, but this time it is different,” he said. “Most candidates have made digital platforms their main means of election campaigning.”

Hamal noted that even when candidates are unable to visit voters’ doorsteps directly, voters are receiving information about their commitments and agendas through mobile phones via social media. He added that activities ranging from expanding social networks to entrepreneurship and the digital economy are now being conducted online. Embracing this environment, candidates in Kanchanpur have also focused their campaigns on digital media, which has helped make campaign expenses more economical.

Most political parties and independent candidates contesting in constituencies No. 1, 2 and 3 of the district are publicizing their daily programs, door-to-door meetings, cadre gatherings, interactions and assembly activities through social media. Former teacher Raj Bahadur Saud said that due to time and resource constraints, not all candidates are able to reach every voter in person, making digital platforms an effective alternative.

Candidates are presenting key points of their manifestos, development agendas and priority issues through videos, posters, live broadcasts and messages. “There has been an increase in the trend of creating short video content, especially targeting youth, and campaigning through TikTok and Facebook Reels,” Saud said.

Habaldar Chaudhary, a member of the Nepali Congress campaign committee and Province (B) joint secretary, said digital campaigning has been prioritized because it enables candidates to reach more voters at lower cost.

“Traditional meetings, rallies and door-to-door campaigns remain necessary, but it is not possible to reach all places at once within a short time,” he said. “Through social media, the same content can be delivered to thousands of voters immediately, which is why we have emphasized its use.”

Chaudhary added that social media allows direct interaction between candidates and voters. “Voters express their curiosity by posting questions in comments, messages or live programs, and candidates clarify their plans by responding,” he said, noting that this has made election debates more open and participatory.

However, challenges have also emerged with the increased use of social media. Considering the risk of misleading information, unverified content and negative publicity against competitors, the Election Office has urged all parties to adhere to the code of conduct.

Social media has evolved beyond entertainment and has established itself as a powerful platform for political, social and economic activities. It has become particularly effective in reaching young people in urban areas and voters with digital access.

A total of 55 candidates are contesting the elections in the three constituencies of Kanchanpur. Many have activated official Facebook pages, TikTok accounts and other digital channels. Some have formed professional digital teams to develop content and campaign strategies, while others are communicating directly with voters through their own social media accounts.

Although the influence of digital publicity is growing, face-to-face engagement remains important in rural areas. As a result, candidates are balancing physical programs with digital outreach. It is expected that the responsible and transparent use of social media, in compliance with the code of conduct, will further strengthen the democratic process.