Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari has urged the media not to disseminate news suggesting that one candidate is right and that one is wrong.
Speaking at an interaction organized by the Election Commission (EC) on Tuesday with artists and social media influencers for voter education, he said the code of conduct had been issued and implemented to prevent misinformation and disinformation, and ensure fair competition. As elections are the lifeblood of democracy, he said, everyone has the responsibility to make them successful by disseminating accurate information.
“We are not against press freedom. However, publishing content based on conversations that predict victory or defeat has misled people,” Bhandari said. “Let us not discourage other candidates in this way. Content created using AI and posted on social media has also spread confusion. Let us stop such publicity and create an environment for free and fair elections.”
Bhandari also said that the March 5 polls are a means to bring the nation back on track and therefore require everyone’s cooperation to ensure their success. He expressed confidence that the addition of 950,000 new voters would increase voter turnout and reduce the number of invalid votes.
EC Secretary Krishna Bahadur Raut said the program was organized to encourage artists and content creators to serve as goodwill ambassadors in providing voter education. He expressed confidence that such programs would help disseminate accurate voter education information.
Chairperson of the Nepal Film Development Board, Dinesh DC, said that problems arise in the election process because political parties and candidates often fail to present clear agendas during elections.
