Fake News Foils Fair Poll

Nepali people are set to pick new representatives for the federal and provincial parliaments next month. For them, this is an important moment to take informed decision so that honest and competent candidates are elected. Now the political parties and their candidates are on the stump. In the heat of moment, they tend to make aggressive remarks against their rivals and violate the election code of conduct, which can spoil the poll atmosphere. Moreover, during the polls, some elements might indulge in spreading fake news, misinformation and hate speech through the social media. Such a negative poll campaign can unduly change the voters' perception and the voting pattern. Fake news and disinformation are likely to misguide the voters into choosing those candidates who are not committed to democracy, rule of law and good governance.