The Election Commission Nepal has sought action against Setopati Online for allegedly publishing news in violation of the Election Code of Conduct. The Commission has sent a formal letter to the Press Council Nepal requesting necessary action.
The Commission raised objections to two news reports published by Setopati: one titled “Will Sobita Gautam Win in Chitwan-3? Renu Dahal Second” and another titled “Vote Should Go to RSP, But Balen’s Argument About Settlements Near the National Park Is Wrong.”
In its correspondence, the Commission stated that it had taken serious notice of the articles published on 2082/11/03 and 2082/11/04 concerning the Chitwan-3 constituency.
According to the Commission, the publication appears to violate Section 4 (Clause T) of the Election Code of Conduct, 2082, which prohibits conducting, announcing, or publishing opinion polls related to election results from the date of candidate nomination until the completion of voting. It also cited Section 25 (1) (Clause B), which bars publishing or broadcasting news in favor of or against any candidate or political party during the election period.
The Commission has requested the Press Council to take necessary action in accordance with the decision.
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