INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
KATHMANDU, APRIL 17The Election Commission (EC) has reminded all stakeholders that violation of the Election Code of
Conduct, which has remained in effect for the April 27 by-elections of the House of Representatives (HoR) in Ilam-2 and the Province
Assembly in Bajhang 1(1), is punishable by law.
With the election behind him, Putin says Russian forces aim to set up a
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By-election in Ilam and Bajhang on April 27
The EC has cautioned that action will be taken in
cases of misuse of social media platforms or any other activities that breach the Election Code of Conduct.The Election Code of Conduct
aiming to hold the polls in a free, fair and impartial atmosphere shall remain in effect until the election procedures are completed, the EC
said in a press note on Tuesday.
According to EC Spokesperson Shaligram Sharma Paudel, activities on social media platforms
capable of disseminating misleading or fake information, propaganda, or otherwise negatively influencing the election atmosphere, including
the creation and operation of fake accounts or sites, spreading propaganda, and making unnecessary derogatory remarks, will not be tolerated
during the period of the Election Code of Conduct.Similarly, distorting any information or content issued, published, and disseminated to
influence the election, as well as tagging such content to anyone, is strictly prohibited
Furthermore, any form of character assassination or personal accusations through communication channels is completely banned.A district code
of conduct monitoring committee, led by the district's Chief Election Officer, has been tasked with promptly addressing any violations of
the Election Code of Conduct
Moreover, the EC is establishing a social media monitoring unit within the Commission to swiftly address any unwanted actions and recommend
appropriate actions against violations of the Code of Conduct.Furthermore, the EC has decided to write to the Press Council Nepal to
encourage the promotion of healthy media content that supports to creation of a reliable, safe, and impartial atmosphere for the election
This includes discouraging negative or misleading content related to the election and taking prompt action against such materials.
This article first appeared/also appeared in https://thehimalayantimes.com