A recent photo of Sobita Gautam, the candidate representing the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) from Chitwan Constituency No. 3 in the upcoming House of Representatives election, went viral on social media. The photo, widely shared with claims labeling her an “American agent,” was later found to be misleading. A fact-check by Nepal Fact Check confirmed that the pictures were actually taken during a public interaction program.
Similarly, manipulated photos claiming that Nepali Congress President and Sarlahi Constituency No. 4 candidate Gagan Kumar Thapa was chased away by the public also circulated online. However, a fact-check report revealed that those images were artificially generated using AI tools.
These incidents reflect a growing wave of misleading and false information spreading online as Nepal prepares for parliamentary elections on March 5, 2026. The election follows the ousting of the KP Oli-led government after protests on September 8–9, 2025. An interim government led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was formed thereafter, tasked with conducting the elections.
Some ministers from the interim cabinet have resigned to contest in the polls. Political parties and independent candidates are now actively campaigning across the country. Yet, experts warn that the rise of misinformation online poses a serious challenge to electoral integrity.
What Is Misinformation — and Why Does It Spread During Elections?
Misinformation refers to false, deceptive, or misleading information — whether spread intentionally or unintentionally — that distorts facts or context. According to Chetana Kunwar, associate editor at Nepal Fact Check under the Center for Media Research-Nepal, political actors often exploit misinformation during elections to discredit opponents and sway public opinion.
“Political parties and their leaders tend to use misleading content for electoral gain, aiming to increase support in their favor,” said Kunwar. She noted that platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter) are the main channels for such activities, often from accounts or groups created in the name of party supporters.
Dipak Adhikari, editor of Nepal Check, echoed the concern, saying misinformation often spreads through political parties, candidates, activists, influencers, media outlets, and even regular users. He emphasized that during campaign season, propaganda and false claims tend to multiply.
Undermining Trust in Democratic Processes
Experts warn that widespread misinformation can erode public trust in democracy itself. Media researcher Ujjwal Acharya explained that misinformation confuses voters and undermines their ability to make informed decisions.
“Misinformation clouds citizens’ judgment. Knowledge and accurate information are crucial foundations for making sound democratic choices,” Acharya said. He added that misinformation redirects public debate away from substantial issues and can discourage voter participation, threatening the integrity of the entire process.
AI Adds a New Layer of Challenge
The 2021 National Census shows that 73% of Nepalis use smartphones, and over 37% have internet access. A Center for Media Research Nepal survey found that over 95% of online users had encountered false information at some point.
With the rapid development of artificial intelligence and deepfake technology, creating convincing false images and videos has become easier than ever. Acharya warned that AI-generated content can “depict fabricated events as real,” misleading voters further. He stressed that political parties and candidates must act responsibly, and the Election Commission should strengthen monitoring and enforcement to counter such risks.
Combating Misinformation: A Shared Responsibility
According to Lekanath Pandey, journalism lecturer at Tribhuvan University, misinformation is often used to portray one’s side positively during elections. While the media plays a vital role in verification and awareness, he argued that journalists alone cannot stop the flow of false information without stronger regulation and institutional measures.
The Election Commission of Nepal has said it is closely monitoring violations of the Election Code of Conduct. According to Commission spokesperson Suman Ghimire, 21 parties and individuals have been asked for clarification regarding possible code breaches, and five responses have been received so far.
The Commission’s Information Integrity Promotion Unit has identified 302 cases of misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech online, with penalties and investigations underway.
Suraj Ghimire
View More PostsSuraj Ghimire is a Nepali journalist based in Kathmandu. He focuses on political, social, migration, and international issues. He has also worked with various national television networks in Nepal.
