Election Commission Warns Against Pre-Election Opinion Polls

Kathmandu. Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari has clarified that opinion polls are prohibited on the eve of elections. Speaking at an event organized on Thursday on the occasion of the 10th Election Day, he stated that the election code of conduct prohibits conducting and publicizing opinion polls.

He mentioned that no person or organization related to the press is allowed to conduct an opinion poll and make a premature announcement stating 'this candidate won' or 'that candidate lost'. According to him, social media and the press sector have become the most contentious issues for the current election.

Although some online media and social media users have raised concerns with the Commission, arguing that the right to freedom of expression under Article 19 of the Constitution has been curtailed, he clarified that such actions will be subject to action because announcing poll results on the eve of the election can lower the morale of other competitors and create confusion and influence among voters.

It is his view that the Election Commission has adopted a zero-tolerance policy on this matter. He also urged the media and concerned individuals not to conduct opinion polls.

He mentioned that the misuse of social media is on the rise and informed that the Commission is studying and investigating this matter.