The Election Commission (EC) has said that the silence period for the first phase of the federal and provincial parliamentary elections being held in 32 districts on November 26 would come into effect after 12 am on Thursday.

According to EC spokesperson Nawaraj Dhakal, the political parties are prohibited from electioneering, disseminating political messages, organising meetings and rallies, chanting slogans and campaigning by any other means after the commencement of the silence period until the end of elections.

Meanwhile, election publicity campaigns will be allowed to continue in the remaining 45 districts where the elections will take place in the second phase on December 7.

The period would be effective for 48 hours prior to the elections day.