UML has expressed concern that the constitutional right of voters and the general public to reach the polling stations and vote in a fearless environment may be thwarted while prohibitory orders and curfews are being issued in various districts of Madhesh and Tarai, and has urged the government to ensure peace and security for a fearless election. UML Press Coordinator Min Bahadur Shahi has issued a statement urging the government to create conditions for a fair and fearless election on 21 Falgun.

‘It is a basic value/acceptance of democratic practice for political parties and candidates to present their views and agendas through public meetings, gatherings and public dialogues during the period determined for election campaigning,’ he said, ‘but prohibitory orders and curfews completely obstruct those practices. This attitude of the government not only restricts the freedom of expression of citizens, but also raises questions about democratic values.’

UML has also accused the vote of being an ‘attempt to influence public opinion in the name of a survey’. "In this sensitive situation, there has been an increase in the tendency of some media outlets to publish one-sided news, comments and unverified results in the name of opinion polls," Shahi said. "Such sponsored one-sided data made public for public consumption carries the risk of affecting the psychology of voters and pushing public opinion in a one-sided direction. These actions have undermined the credibility of independent, dignified and professional journalism, adherence to the code of conduct issued by the Election Commission."