KATHMANDU: Election Commissioner Dr. Janaki Kumari Tuladhar has urged the media persons to disseminate the right information on local-level elections.
Writing news based on mere assumption will be misleading, she added.
At an interaction with media organized in coordination and assistance of Press Council Nepal, and the Federation of Nepali Journalists here Monday, she informed that Election Commission was devoted to conducting its constitutional responsibility, to which media could extend positive cooperation. “Free, fair, and credible election is the foundation of democracy,” she said, lauding the media’s role to make electioneering economical.
According to her, Election Commission was for strengthening election management. She urged media persons to relay correct and factual information to the public.
On the occasion, EC Spokesperson Shaligram Sharma Poudel informed that there were mechanisms from the center to local levels to monitor whether the election code of conduct was implemented.
Chairperson of Press Council Nepal Balkrishna Basnet underscored the need for media persons to shun loyalty to a particular political party. “During the election, ‘fake news factory’ may be operated, so it is time to pay much attention to identify right news, seeking news sources, authenticity and credibility,” he reminded.
Journalist Babita Basnet viewed there is a huge challenge of ‘misinformation and ‘disinformation’ in the time of election. The exchange of allegations among political leaders has questioned their responsibility.
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