Election Commissioner Urges Media to Maintain Impartiality in By-election Coverage

Bhaktapur. Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari has urged media outlets to report impartially regarding the upcoming House of Representatives by-election scheduled for Falgun 21, without taking any side for or against any party.

Speaking with journalists at Janak Shiksha Samagri Kendra Limited in Sanothimi, he requested that the media refrain from publishing one-sided or biased news or opinions that could influence the outcome for any candidate, and instead produce impartial content.

As the country is immersed in an election atmosphere and nearing the final stages of the election, he requested that opinions, as much as news reports, should not be biased for or against any side.

He stated, "In the media, you all have your own originality and opinions when expressing them, but when expressing those opinions, you cannot take the side for or against any party, individual, or candidate. Therefore, I request that you transmit news based only on facts and truth."

He mentioned that investigations and actions are underway regarding complaints of code of conduct violations, and monitoring is being conducted at various levels to ensure whether the code of conduct has been implemented and adhered to.

Noting that the Commission is also monitoring code of conduct violations, Acting Chief Election Commissioner Bhandari stated that preparations for the election are proceeding at a rapid pace.