KATHMANDU:- With 58 days remaining until the House of Representatives election, the Election Commission (EC) has emphasized the need for a robust mechanism to address challenges in enforcing the election code of conduct, particularly amid the widespread use of digital platforms.

The first meeting of the Central Code of Conduct Monitoring Committee, held on Monday, highlighted the importance of controlling issues such as misinformation, hate speech, and the circulation of fake news on social media during the election period. The committee has been formed under Clause 26 of the Election Code of Conduct, 2082 BS.

Presided over by EC Commissioner Sagun Shumsher JBR, and attended by Officiating Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari and Commissioner Dr Janaki Kumari Tuladhar, the meeting focused on inter-agency coordination, the role of regulatory bodies, and other challenges related to enforcing the code effectively, EC spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai said.

Officials emphasized that awareness campaigns, promotional efforts, and punitive measures should run simultaneously to ensure compliance. Officiating Chief Election Commissioner Bhandari stressed that regulating social media platforms is crucial, and all mechanisms of the Commission should be mobilized effectively.