Kathmandu, May 11

Nepal Press Council has urged all journalists to refrain from praising or deriding political parties or candidates contesting the upcoming local level elections.

The council also appealed them to abide by the election code of conduct enforced by the Election Commission.

Issuing a press statement, Nepal Press Council drew the attention of the journalists towards growing incidents of violation of election code of conduct even as the elections are just around the corner.

The first phase of local level elections is taking place in Provinces 3, 4 and 6 on May 14 while the elections will be held in the rest of the provinces on June 14.

Many media persons are found to be posting their comments and opinions on social networking sites, including Facebook, for and against parties and candidates, the NPC observed.

Media persons and media houses are urged to observe the silence period starting tonight.

No electoral publicity by any political party and candidate will be allowed after midnight as per the election code of conduct.