March 1, 2026

With a proud history spanning seven decades, the Federation of Nepali Journalists is a common professional organization dedicated to the rights and interests of working journalists. The Federation is also a citizen-led organization dedicated to the establishment and development of a democratic system, as well as full press and expression freedom.
The Federation believes that the current political turmoil in the country should end through elections because it leads a citizen-led organization. The beautiful part of democracy is that it is approved by the public vote through party competition. In order to be approved by the public vote and establish democratic values ​​and norms, all parties are campaigning across the country with their own agendas and candidates for the general election on March 5 . 

During the Genji movement, media houses suffered the most physical damage, journalists suffered insecurity and 'self-censorship'. Even now, there is undeclared censorship. Those incidents are condemnable in themselves.

However, the question of how society is viewing the Nepali media world has seriously arisen. The Federation is clear that the full freedom of the press and expression provided by the constitution should be fully and freely utilized.

However, it is equally important for journalists and media houses to publish and broadcast news responsibly towards society, adhering to the commitments of the regulatory body, the Press Council and the Federation, and the code of conduct issued by the Election Commission.

Due to the current constitutional complexities, society is currently in a state of complete turmoil. Due to which, the media world needs to be more responsible and sensitive.

During the election, a lot of misleading information has been seen on social media. Which has tried to lead society in the wrong direction. The media is the one to stop this. There is no other option than accurate, truthful and impartial news. Currently, society is caught in a widespread confusion about which news comes on social media and the media and which is not. Such confusion may be spread even more during the silent period. To overcome these illusions in society, it will be practically seen that journalists and media houses have fulfilled their responsible role and professional duty only by publishing and broadcasting content based on truth, facts and impartiality. Since the Federation is a common professional organization of working journalists, it is the duty of every member and journalist friend to protect its common character.

There is no doubt that it is the main responsibility of every organization and leadership to address the concerns of the media and journalists while being sensitive to the interests of stakeholders and organizations. All colleagues, it is known that the Federation is moving forward by giving high priority to the issue of professional and physical security of working journalists.

Many working journalists are still facing professional and physical insecurity. Journalists are facing even more physical insecurity during elections. Amidst these difficulties, the news we write, the language we speak, the logic, and the analysis we analyze also play an important role in successfully conducting the upcoming general elections.

When constitutional complications arise, we also have an equal responsibility to provide a permanent solution. Freedom of the press and expression exists only as long as the constitution exists. Therefore, in this sensitive situation of the country, the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) cordially appeals to all journalists and media houses to fully comply with the Code of Conduct issued by the Press Council and the commitment made by the Federation and to reaffirm high professionalism with professional integrity.

We request all stakeholders not to obstruct the journalists engaged in reporting the election in their work of searching, writing and broadcasting news. We also request that arrangements be made for journalists and media vehicles to move freely on the basis of press passes. And, we request journalists to remain safe and gather at their workplaces.

In addition, the Federation urges the state to set up a ‘Media Safety Desk’ and, if necessary, air rescue arrangements for the safety and emergency rescue of journalists deployed in remote areas during the election.

Nirmala Sharma
President