EU Commission Acts Against 302 Cases of Disinformation and Hate Speech

In a move to safeguard the integrity of Nepal’s upcoming elections, the Election Commission (EC) has cracked down on over 300 cases of misleading content circulating online and in media channels.

The commission has identified and acted against 302 instances of misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech that violate the election code of conduct ahead of the March 5 House of Representatives election, according to Assistant Spokesperson Kul Bahadur GC.

Speaking to the Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS), GC explained that the Information Ethics Promotion Unit, operating under the Election Information Dissemination and Coordination Center, has forwarded these violations to appropriate authorities for further action. The cases are being processed under multiple legal frameworks, including the Election Code of Conduct, 2082, the Electronic Transactions Act, 2063, and the Press Council Act, 2048.

The Election Code of Conduct, which took effect at noon on January 18, serves as the regulatory backbone to ensure elections remain fair, transparent, and credible. This timing provides authorities sufficient lead time to establish proper electoral conditions before voters head to the polls in early March.

Nepal’s electoral authorities have adopted a multi-faceted approach to address complaints, receiving reports of potential violations from various stakeholders including political parties, candidates, organizations, and individual citizens. When violations are identified, the commission contacts those allegedly involved to seek clarifications before determining appropriate sanctions.

The rise in digital misinformation presents a growing challenge to electoral integrity worldwide, and Nepal is no exception. With increasing internet penetration across the country, particularly in urban centers like Kathmandu, social media platforms have become fertile ground for spreading false narratives that could influence voter behavior.

These enforcement actions come at a critical time for Nepal’s democracy. The March 5 election represents an important test for the nation’s democratic institutions, especially following periods of political instability in recent years. The House of Representatives, Nepal’s lower house of parliament, plays a crucial role in forming the government and passing legislation that shapes the country’s future.

Election misinformation can take various forms, from false claims about candidates’ backgrounds to manufactured scandals or misleading information about voting procedures that might discourage certain groups from participating. In some cases, coordinated disinformation campaigns aim to undermine public confidence in the electoral process itself.

The EC has established multiple channels for reporting potential violations, emphasizing accessibility and ease of reporting. GC noted that concerns about election integrity can be reported through various means: in writing, verbally, or electronically. Reports can be submitted directly to the Election Commission or through offices of the Chief Returning Officer, Returning Officer, Provincial or District Election Offices, or District Code of Conduct Monitoring Officers.

This comprehensive monitoring and enforcement system reflects the commission’s awareness that electoral integrity requires vigilance across multiple fronts, from traditional media to digital platforms.

Nepal’s approach mirrors similar efforts in democracies worldwide that are grappling with how to maintain electoral integrity in an era of rapid information flow and sometimes deliberate manipulation. The challenge remains striking the right balance between combating harmful misinformation while preserving free expression and legitimate political discourse.

As the March election approaches, the commission’s actions signal its commitment to creating conditions for voters to make informed choices based on accurate information, rather than being swayed by false or misleading content designed to manipulate the electoral process.