Nepal has conducted the second round of the local level elections in Province No 1, 5 and 7 in a peaceful manner today (June 28), where the citizen's right to freedom of expression was found respected.
Freedom Forum has continuously monitoring whether the election time sees the incidents intimidating voters, journalists, election candidates and cadres thereby violating freedom of expression.
Although FF got news of some untoward incidents as minor bomb blast and inter-party clashes, no significant incidents were occurred today to deprive voters of their rights to elect representatives in fear-free atmosphere, while the journalists too enjoyed conducive atmosphere for free reporting.
"Peaceful campaigning of political parties and leaders and their constitutional right to free speech/opinion are equally important to that of the freedom of expression and information. The respect of FoE and information in the election is the signal that Nepal is making meaningful effort to functional democracy with the restoration of people's representatives nearly after two decades," observes Executive Chief of FF, Mr Taranath Dahal.
