People have fundamental right to receive information about elections and its activities: GM Airi

By TRN Online, Kathmandu, Feb.22:  The General Manager of Gorkhapatra Corportion Lal Bahadur Airi said that people have the fundamental right to receive information about election, the code of conduct, and other election-related activities.

Addressing the orientation program focusing on election reporting held today, GM 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,” in order to ensure assure that no updates related to the election were missed.

He said, “Understanding the entire election process and providing 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 Corporation, Junar Babu Basnet, has said that Gorkhapatra Corporation publishes news based on content and facts irrespective of ideology or political party, especially during the election period. 

Speaking at the 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 is committed to respect the public mandate and has been pursuing 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 handle 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 pillars 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 reporting, while providing accurate and informatinve material 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.

The Officiating Chief Election Commissioner, Ram Prasad Bhandari, remarked that election commission and media 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 there is no alternative to hold election and taking take back system into the right political track.

He said that the two major concern are to amplifying voter participation and ensuring that no votes go to waste.

Speaking the programme, 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. 

He urged Gorkhapatra Corporation to disseminate right, just, and fair information and to stand firmly against the 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 election process and that it is closely monitoring all related elements. The media, he noted, will have a significant role to play in the upcoming elections.