People have fundamental right to receive information about elections and its activities: General Manager Lal Bahadur Airi

By TRN Online, Kathmandu, Feb.22:  People have the fundamental right to receive information about elections, the code of conduct, and other election-related activities, according to the Gorkhapatra Corporation. 

Addressing the orientation program on election reporting held here today, the General Manager of the Gorkhapatra Corporation, Lal Bahadur Airi, stated that people have the fundamental right to receive information about elections, the code of conduct, and other election-related activities. With this understanding, today’s orientation program was organized.

Referring to election-specific activities, he said that the Corporation had launched a “100 Days Initiative,” ensuring that no updates related to the election were missed.

He said, “To understand the entire election process and to deliver accurate information to the public is our responsibility. Despite being associated with the election and its processes in one way or another, we still need to stay updated. Therefore, this orientation program was initiated.”

He further stated that efforts have been made to prevent the spread of misinformation and disinformation and to provide fair and accurate information. He added that Gorkhapatra works to fill the gap felt by the audience and the market.

“I urge the active participation of all journalists,” he said.

Acting Editor-in-Chief of Gorkhapatra Sansthan, Junar Babu Basnet, has said that Gorkhapatra Corporation publishes news based on content and facts rather than favoring any ideology or political party, especially during the election period. 

Speaking at a program, Basnet stated that in the current sensitive situation, the institution understands that the ultimate value lies in the people’s mandate.

He added that Gorkhapatra remains committed to respecting the public mandate and delivering responsible journalism accordingly.

Gorkhapatra Pledges Responsible Coverage Ahead of Election

Chairman of the Gorkhapatra Corporation Govinda Prasad Bhandari (Akhanda) said that the media has reaffirmed its commitment to handling sensitive election-related issues with responsibility and professionalism. Emphasizing the crucial role of journalism in strengthening democracy, media representatives stated that they will work in support of the Election Commission to help ensure a free, fair, and successful election process.

Acknowledging that elections are the pillar of the nation,  he said that media institutions play a significant role in supporting that pillar. 

He pledged to remain fair, impartial, and just in their reporting, while providing accurate and educational information to the public.

With a long history of covering national elections,  Gorkhapatra has recognized its responsibility to strictly follow the established code of conduct.

He assured citizens that ethical standards and balanced reporting will guide all election-related news coverage.

Similarly, the Officiating Chief Election Commissioner, Ram Prasad Bhandari, remarked that both institutions are like two sides of the same coin, though their lines of work differ. He said the media has played a significant role in assessing election-related information and disseminating it to the public.

He added that the House of Representatives will be protected and that there is no alternative than election to restore the disrupted House of Representatives.

He said that its two main concerns are increasing voter participation and ensuring that no votes go to waste.

Speaking at an interaction program, Bhandari emphasized that conducting fair elections in accordance with the election code of conduct remains the Commission’s primary responsibility.

The Commission believes that elections must be held in strict compliance with the code of conduct to ensure fairness and transparency.

The Commission also expressed concern over media-conducted voting surveys, stating that such practices can influence voters and affect the electoral environment. Officials urged Gorkhapatra Sansthan to disseminate right, just, and fair information and to stand firmly against misinformation and disinformation.

The Commission reiterated that there is no alternative to elections in a democratic system.

He assured that there will be no disruption to the electoral process and that it is closely monitoring all related elements. The media, it noted, will have a significant role to play in the upcoming elections.