CHITWAN: House of Representatives candidate Renu Dahal from Chitwan-3 has raised objections over news reports published in the name of election surveys, calling them misleading and inaccurate.
Through a Facebook post, Dahal said she is currently busy with a door-to-door campaign and is encouraged by the love, trust, and support she has received from the public. She highlighted her nine years of experience serving in Bharatpur Metropolitan City, asserting that her commitment and integrity have earned her public backing.
While expressing her willingness to accept either victory or defeat in the upcoming polls, Dahal expressed confidence that she can win by a wide margin based on voter trust.
Dahal also criticized certain media outlets for publishing content in violation of the Election Code of Conduct under the guise of opinion surveys, warning that such misleading information could affect the overall election process. She urged media outlets not to publish or broadcast fabricated or deceptive content and emphasized the need for impartial and clean elections in line with democratic values and norms.
Meanwhile, online portal Setopati published a report suggesting that Sobita Gautam of the Rastriya Swatantra Party would win in Chitwan-3, placing Renu Dahal in second place. Following this, the Election Commission, Nepal initiated a formal process against the outlet.
On Monday, the Commission wrote to the Press Council Nepal, requesting necessary action. According to the Commission, publication of pre-election survey results or any content favoring or opposing a candidate before the completion of voting violates Sections 4(t) and 25(1)(b) of the Election Code of Conduct, 2026.
The Commission reminded that no surveys, announcements, or publications favoring or opposing any candidate are allowed once nominations are filed until the polls are completed, and asked the Press Council to take appropriate decisions based on these provisions.
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