Setopati faces action over election code breach
According to the Commission, two recent news articles published on Setopati breached election regulations.
KATHMANDU: The Election Commission has formally requested the Press Council of Nepal to take action against the online news portal Setopati for allegedly violating the election code of conduct.
According to the Commission, two recent news articles published on Setopati breached election regulations.
On Sunday, the portal published a story titled “Sovita Gautam likely to win in Chitwan-3, Renu Dahal second” as part of the Setopati Election Analysis–1 series.
The following day, another article, “Votes may go to RSP, But Balen’s argument on settlements near the wildlife reserve is wrong”, was also released.
The Commission expressed serious concern over the content, stating that under the election code, no surveys, predictions, or results may be published from the date a candidate files nomination until the completion of voting.
It also prohibits publishing content favoring or opposing any candidate.
Citing violations of Section 4 (kha) and Section 25 (1)(kha) of the Election Code of Conduct, 2082 BS, the Commission urged the Press Council to initiate appropriate action.
The letter, signed by legal officer Mohanraj Joshi, confirmed that Setopati’s publications were inconsistent with the prescribed electoral regulations.
