Election Commission Stresses Media's Role in Fostering Electoral Atmosphere

Kathmandu. The Acting Chief Election Commissioner of the Election Commission Nepal, Ramprasad Bhandari, stated that the media plays a crucial role in building the atmosphere for elections. He mentioned that the media is instrumental in creating the necessary environment as the Election Commission moves forward with its electoral schedule.

Speaking at an election news orientation program organized by Gorkhapatra Academy, he emphasized that elections are indispensable for the protection of the constitution. He asserted that elections would not be derailed by the expression of grievances by any disgruntled individual. He said, 'The alternative to an election is the election itself. No one should attempt to disrupt it.' He urged against attempts to fish in troubled waters and noted that confusion should not be spread about the elections when political parties have already reached the villages.

He mentioned that the enthusiasm seen in this year's elections has never been witnessed before. Chief Commissioner Bhandari stated that the code of conduct was introduced to prevent any side from acting against the elections, but he noted that the code of conduct has been violated by the media in some places.

He pointed out that some reputable media outlets have confused voters by protecting votes, and urged against considering it a weakness that the commission has not taken action. He warned that if such incidents recur, action will be taken according to the law. He warned that if the repeated instruction not to conduct opinion polls is ignored, action will be taken as stipulated in the constitution.