FF urges Election Commission to respect free speech while enforcing election code

Nepal is holding the local level election in coming May 13 2022. In this regard, Election Commission has issued code of conduct on March 17, 2022 which came into effect from April 8, 2022. There is no denying that election is one of the fundamental pillars of democracy. The election code of conduct is brought in a bid to maintain electoral integrity. Free, fair and credible election is the 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, Chief Executive at Freedom Forum, Taranath Dahal, comments, "At a time when the digital platforms have emerged as the fastest and convenient medium for citizens to exercise freedom of expression, their role cannot be shrunk. Although election code of conduct is aimed at maintaining electoral integrity, the freedom of expression must not be compromised while implementing the code. We, therefore, urge the Election Commission to be aware of the value of the freedom of expression." For More, Freedom Forum monitoring@freedomforum.org.np