Election Commission Secretary Stresses Media's Crucial Role in Ensuring Fair Upcoming General Elections

Kathmandu. Election Commission Secretary Krishna Bahadur Raut stated that the role of the media will be decisive in conducting the upcoming periodic elections in a fair, independent, and credible manner.

Speaking at a discussion program organized by the Commission, he urged journalists to create an environment where citizens can make proper use of their voting rights by providing them with correct, factual, and neutral information. Secretary Raut referred to the media as the 'cornerstone' of democracy and the fourth estate of the state, noting that the media is the main channel influencing various debates and discourses during elections.

He emphasized that the impartial and neutral information disseminated by the media maintains the actual credibility of the election and empowers voters. He informed that through this periodic election, which is being held according to Nepal's constitutional and legal provisions, a total of 275 representatives—165 through the first-past-the-post system and 110 through the proportional representation system—will be selected for the House of Representatives of the Federal Parliament.

He characterized this process as an important opportunity to build the nation's future destiny, development, and prosperity. Mentioning that the election grants legitimacy to the governing system, Secretary Raut stated that selecting the right representatives is essential to solve the problems present in the current specific circumstances.

Stating that the next two to three weeks are very important for election preparations, he clarified that the Election Commission expects significant support from the media to keep the general public informed.