Acting Chief Election Commissioner Assures Measures Against Misuse of Technology in Upcoming By-elections

Kathmandu, February 4: Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ramprasad Bhandari stated that planned work is underway to prevent potential misuse of technology in the upcoming House of Representatives by-elections scheduled for February 21.

Addressing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) exchange ceremony with the social media platform TikTok today, he said that a historic agreement has been made to prevent the environment surrounding the election from being polluted.

Acting Chief Commissioner Bhandari expressed confidence that the agreement with TikTok will help prevent the violation of the code of conduct and the spread of misinformation through the platform. He thanked TikTok for coming forward to help prevent misuse during the election free of cost.

At the program, Election Commission Joint Secretary and Spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai and TikTok's Head of Social Policy and Government Relations, Firdous Al Mattaqin, exchanged the MoU. It is believed that this will help maintain the integrity of the House of Representatives by-elections. TikTok will assist in promoting integrity and enhancing the capacity of the Commission in the election. The Commission believes the partnership will help ensure that correct, reliable, and timely information reaches the general public regarding the election.

The understanding is expected to contribute to the Commission's ongoing efforts to control misleading information and harmful content that could affect the election.

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