KATHMANDU: Acting Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Ram Prasad Bhandari, has said code of conduct is not a restriction but a prerequisite to free and fair election.

During an interaction on social network groups and content creators organized as part of the voters education and election publicity here Tuesday, Acting CEC Bhandari made it clear that election code of conduct was enforced to curb fake and misleading information on election. It is everyone’s responsibility to make the March 5 House of Representatives election a success because it a democratic event. In election, true information counts much, he added.

“We’re not against press freedom. But the public views expressed for and against any candidate and presented it as victory or loss at a time when there is the election code in place has disillusioned people. Let’s not dishearten other candidate,” Bhandari said, arguing even the social media posts generated by the use of artificial intelligence (AI) have spread falsehood and confusion. We should create atmosphere for making the HoR election successful.

The media reports making decision should not be disseminated. “Election is the effective medium to bring to track the derailed country. So, it requires all sides’ cooperation,” he insisted.

The voters turnout would increase, while invalid votes decrease this time, according to him.

In view of secretary at Election Commission, Krishna Bahadur Raut, artists and content creators are goodwill ambassador for voter education. The interaction was organized to seek support from them to this regard, he added.

A humour artist, Manoj Gajurel, said the social media are awash with toxic viral contents. So, the posts of authentic information on election should be made and shared.

Former participant in Miss Nepal contest, Nanu Singh Thakuri, underscored the need of disseminating factual and credible information on social networks.