Kathmandu: The Election Commission (EC) of Nepal has called on mass media, particularly state-run outlets, to play a proactive role in creating a conducive environment for the by-elections scheduled on December 1.

In a discussion held at the EC office, Chief Election Commissioner Dinesh Kumar Thapaliya urged state-run media to prioritize disseminating election-related information to encourage voter turnout. Thapaliya emphasized the importance of featuring election-related content prominently, particularly in print media, and urged broadcasters to air public-interest programs such as talk shows and panel discussions.

To ensure the elections are free, fair, and impartial, the Commission has sought active collaboration with the Advertisement Board and requested Press Council Nepal to monitor media compliance with the Election Code of Conduct-2079 BS and Journalist Code of Conduct-2076 BS.

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has been tasked with coordinating the efforts of Radio Nepal, Nepal Television, Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS), and Gorkhapatra to disseminate accurate and relevant election content. The Ministry will also monitor media content to prevent the spread of misinformation.

Radhika Aryal, Secretary of the Ministry, assured the EC of the Ministry’s commitment to facilitating a fair election process. She highlighted directives given to subordinate bodies, including the Nepal Telecommunications Authority and the Department of Information and Broadcasting, to enhance election-related efforts.

RSS General Manager Siddharaj Rai pledged to mobilize correspondents in by-election areas to provide comprehensive and fact-based reporting. Other media heads, including Radio Nepal Executive Director Amardhowj Lama and Nepal Television General Manager Samir Jung Shah, were also present, expressing their commitment to supporting the electoral process.

The EC’s push for enhanced media involvement underscores its aim to promote voter awareness and ensure a fearless voting environment as the by-election date approaches.