Press Council Initiates Action Against Online Portal for Announcing Election Results Prematurely

Kathmandu. Action proceedings have been initiated against an online news portal for announcing the results of the Chitwan Constituency No. 3 election.

On Sunday, the Press Council Nepal expressed serious concern that the online portal published news in the style of an opinion poll, naming candidates and stating, "They will win..." under the guise of electoral analysis, which could influence the election and voters.

The Council stated that the process for taking action has been initiated in accordance with the provisions of the Code of Conduct for Journalists, 2073 (First Amendment, 2076) and the Election Code of Conduct, 2082.

The Election Commission had sent a letter to the Council today requesting action. The Council is mandated to proceed with necessary action based on the Commission's correspondence.

The Council reminded all concerned parties that violation of the Election Code of Conduct is subject to action under the Election Code of Conduct, 2082, and the Election (Offenses and Punishment) Act, 2073.

In a press release issued by the Council on Monday, it stated, "As mass media must respect a fair election and the voters' conscience, the Press Council Nepal heartily requests all media houses, journalists, media personnel, and social media users to transmit content accordingly, refrain from featuring analyses/opinion polls that influence the voters' conscience, avoid transmitting false/misleading content that negatively affects any party or candidate, and be sensitive to matters that could adversely affect the right to a secret ballot."