Nepal Media Society has expressed its concern over the Election Commission (EC)’s warning to take action against media houses for publishing political advertisements in the run-up to the elections.

In a statement on Thursday, the society said advertisements are not only the oxygen of the media sector but also their sovereign right.

“The EC’s threat to take action against media citing the publication of political advertisements against election code of conduct has made us serious,” read the statement.

The society in its statement has stated that the election is the historic moment for giving a political direction to the country and it is the responsibility of all sides to create an election environment. “While political parties are canvassing votes in their own way, media too is bestowing people with their rights to get informed through factual news and information,” said the statement.

“We want to draw the attention of all concerned stakeholders that the mainstream media who assume sovereignty, national integrity and people’s right to get informed their top mantra should not be interfered from any side,” read the statement, “Furthermore, we also want to say that questions should not be raised on the advertisement rights of media on the subjects which are otherwise barred by the laws related to the advertisement.”