PCN Urges Media to Strictly Follow Code of Conduct During Election Silence Period
The Press Council Nepal (PCN) has reminded media houses and journalists to strictly adhere to the code of conduct during the Silence Period ahead of the upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) elections scheduled for March 5.
The Silence Period came into effect at 12:00 midnight on Monday. During this time, the dissemination of election-related promotional content is strictly prohibited. The council has called on all concerned stakeholders to fully comply with the election code of conduct to ensure free and fair polls.
In a statement, the PCN emphasized that media outlets must refrain from publishing or broadcasting advertisements in favor of or against any political party or candidate. The Silence Period also bars the airing of talk shows, commentaries, analyses, opinion pieces, questionnaires, or any other content that could influence voters by supporting or opposing political parties and candidates.
The statutory media regulatory body warned that any violation of the code of conduct during this period would be punishable under the Journalist Code of Conduct-2073 BS and the Election Code of Conduct.
According to PCN Joint Spokesperson Ramsharan Bohora, instances of code of conduct violations will be taken into account during the assessment and classification of media houses. Such violations may also influence decisions related to the allocation and payment of advertisements, including public welfare advertisements. The council will document all cases of non-compliance.
The PCN has urged media organizations, journalists, media workers, and social media users to remain sensitive and responsible while disseminating information during the Silence Period. It stressed that maintaining neutrality and upholding professional ethics at this crucial stage of the electoral process is essential to safeguarding democratic values.
With the HoR elections just days away, the council’s appeal seeks to reinforce media accountability and ensure that voters are not unduly influenced in the final hours before casting their ballots.
