The Election Commission on Monday wrote to the Press Council Nepal, seeking action against online news outlet Setopati over reports it says breached the election code of conduct.
On Sunday, Setopati published a report titled “Sobita Gautam will win the election in Chitwan-3, Renu Dahal will finish second” under “Setopati Election Analysis–1”, claiming that Gautam of the Rastriya Swatantra Party will secure victory, while Dahal of the Nepali Communist Party will become second in the race.
On Monday, it carried another report titled “Will vote for RSP, but Balen’s argument on settlements near the national park is wrong.”
The commission said the reports appeared to violate Section 4 (J) of the Election Code of Conduct, 2026, which bars opinion polls or publication of survey results related to candidates from the date of nomination registration until voting concludes.
It also cited Section 25 (1) (b), which prohibits publication or broadcast of news favouring or opposing any candidate.
In a letter signed by law officer Mohanraj Joshi, the commission requested the council to take necessary action.
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