Ram Prasad Bhandari Says Elections Key to Restoring Stability in Nepal

Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari has said that elections are the only legitimate mechanism to restore order and institutional stability in the country following recent political disruptions.

Speaking at a program organized in Kathmandu on the occasion of the 15th World Radio Day by the Association of Community Radio Broadcasters, Bhandari said the country had moved away from discipline and normal functioning after the Gen-Z movement held on Bhadra 23 and 24. He stated that the Election Commission is working with integrity and commitment to conduct elections in a credible and orderly manner to bring the country back on track.

Call for Media Support in Ensuring Credible Elections

Bhandari emphasized the important role of journalists and media professionals, particularly community radio broadcasters, in supporting a free and fair electoral process. He called on media organizations to assist the Commission by disseminating accurate and verified information related to elections.

He also raised concerns about the spread of misleading and harmful information through social media platforms, saying such content could undermine the electoral process.

“An understanding has already been reached with TikTok to control the spread of false, misleading and harmful election-related information. Discussions with Meta are also in progress,” Bhandari said. He added that agreements have been made with other domestic media outlets to verify the authenticity of circulating information.

Emphasis on Election Code of Conduct

During the program, the association presented a code of conduct developed for radio journalists covering elections. Bhandari urged all community radio stations to inform the public about both the association’s code and the official election code of conduct issued by the Commission.

He said public awareness and responsible reporting are essential to maintaining transparency, accountability and trust in the electoral process. Bhandari reiterated that the Election Commission remains committed to fulfilling its constitutional responsibility by conducting elections in a fair and impartial manner.