Freedom Forum reminded authorities that freedom of expression should be upheld in implementing the Election Code, which took effect on 8 April. Nepal's local election is scheduled for 13 May.
This statement was originally published on freedomforum.org.np on 12 April 2022.
Nepal is holding a local level election on the upcoming day, May 13 2022. In this regard, the Election Commission has issued code of conduct on March 17, 2022, which came into effect from April 8, 2022.
There is no denying that an election is one of the fundamental pillars of democracy. The election code of conduct is brought forward in a bid to maintain electoral integrity. Free, fair and credible elections are a reflection of electoral integrity. At the same time, other fundamental rights of citizens can not be ignored during the electoral process and campaigning.
To this regard, the Chief Executive at Freedom Forum, Taranath Dahal, comments, “At a time when digital platforms have emerged as the fastest and convenient medium for citizens to exercise freedom of expression, their role cannot be shrunk. Although an election code of conduct is aimed at maintaining electoral integrity, freedom of expression must not be compromised while implementing the code. We, therefore, urge the Election Commission to be aware of the value of freedom of expression.”
