He urged the media not to conduct 'opinion polls' as they would affect the integrity of the election.
Acting Chief Election Commissioner of the Election Commission, Ram Prasad Bhandari, has said that the upcoming election is an option for the good governance of the country and the protection of the constitution.
Speaking at the ‘Election News Orientation’ program organized by Gorkhapatra Sansthan on Sunday, he expressed his determination that the voting process will not be stopped under any circumstances despite various doubts and rumors being spread after the election date was fixed.
‘The alternative to elections is elections,’ Bhandari said, ‘Some frustrated elements have tried to spread the illusion that the election will be stopped, but the Nepali people will not stand by and watch anyone’s frustrations be satisfied. Voting will be held from 7 am to 5 pm on Falgun 21.’
He urged the media not to conduct ‘vote surveys’ as the opinion polls conducted before the vote could change the mood of the voters and affect the integrity of the election.
‘The integrity of the election cannot be compromised in the name of constitutional rights,’ Bhandari said. ‘An opinion poll can mislead voters by showing a losing candidate as the winner and a winning candidate as the loser, which is fatal to the entire election process.’
