Disobeying the election code of conduct, five journalists’ organizations have issued an appeal to the public to vote in favour of the ruling alliance, warning that the country could once again be plunged into conflict and instability.
In a joint statement issued on May 7, the Nepal Press Union, Press Centre Nepal, Socialist Press Organization, Press Forum Nepal and Progressive Journalists Association of Nepal have issued an appeal to vote for the candidates of the ruling five-party alliance.
The appeal, issued by five press organizations affiliated with the ruling alliance, states, “As proponents of the constitution, democracy and change, we must uphold national unity, defend the constitution, institutionalize the agenda of change, guarantee full press freedom and uphold the rule of law. We heartily appeal to the general Nepali electorate to use their free will to vote for the Left-Democratic Alliance.”
Article 22 (a) to paragraph of paragraph 22 of the Local Level Election Code of Conduct 2078 instructs on the conduct to be followed by the media establishment, the concerned staff and the journalist.