Kathmandu, Jan 6: The Election Commission (EC) has underscored the need for an effective regulatory mechanism to address challenges in implementing the election code of conduct amid the widespread use of information technology.
The first meeting of the Central Code of Conduct Monitoring Committee, held on Monday, emphasized the necessity of devising a special mechanism to curb misinformation, hate speech, and fake content circulated through social media and digital platforms during elections.
The Central Code of Conduct Monitoring Committee has been formed in accordance with Clause 26 of the Election Code of Conduct, 2082 BS.
According to EC Spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, the meeting was chaired by EC Commissioner Sagun Shumsher JBR in the presence of Officiating Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari and Commissioner Dr Janaki Kumari Tuladhar.
The meeting discussed inter-agency coordination, the role of regulatory bodies, challenges in implementation, and other issues related to the effective enforcement of the election code of conduct.
On the occasion, officials stressed that awareness-based, promotional, and punitive programmes should be implemented simultaneously to ensure effective compliance.
Officiating Chief Election Commissioner Bhandari said that regulating social media platforms is imperative and that the Commission must effectively mobilize all available mechanisms to this end. #election #nepal
