Press Council Nepal urges media to fully respect election silence period

Kathmandu: The Press Council Nepal has urged media houses and journalists to strictly follow the Silence Period ahead of the upcoming House of Representatives elections.

The Silence Period began at midnight on Monday, ahead of voting scheduled for March 5. The council reminded media outlets that the code of conduct prohibits political advertisements, talk shows, commentaries, analyses, questionnaires, or any content supporting or opposing political parties or candidates.

Violations of the code are punishable under the Journalist Code of Conduct, 2073 BS, and the Election Code of Conduct. PCN Joint Spokesperson Ramsharan Bohora said such violations will be considered when assessing and classifying media houses, including decisions on public welfare advertisement payments.

The council also called on social media users, media workers, and journalists to remain alert and sensitive to the rules during the Silence Period.