Freedom Forum has been seriously concerned over the spate of attacks targeting election candidates, media persons and peaceful rallies and programs across the country.
With the elections to the House of Representatives and Provincial parliament slated for November 26 in the Himalayan and upper hilly districts and on December 7 in southern plains and the country in full swing for its conduct, series of attacks on election candidates have not only increased security threat, but also violated freedom of expression and speech.
The peaceful assemblies and rallies where people are expressing their views must not be hindered at all.
The news of bomb blasts targeting election candidates and peaceful gatherings are rife in media for a week. Once people’s movement and peaceful campaigning are obstructed, the chance of freedom of expression is hindered and even free flow of information blocked.
To this, Executive Chief at Freedom Forum, Mr Taranath Dahal, observed: “With the continued bomb explosions in different places, the atmosphere for the election candidates and general people to exercise their right to freedom of expression is foiled. FoE is prerequisite to competitive election and essential for people to make informed choice. The attacks have created fear even among journalists to make field reporting on election. Such acts by any side must end to protect citizens’ freedom of expression and voting rights.”
Freedom Forum condemns the incidents and strongly urges concerned authorities to ensure fear-free atmosphere where voters, election candidates and media persons can use their rights unhindered.
For More Information,
Freedom Forum
Thapathali, Kathmandu
Post Box No: 24292
Phone No. 4102030, 4102022
monitoring@freedomforum.org.np
Website: www.nepalpressfreedom.org; www.freedomforum.org.np
