Nepali media at work at civil society demonstration in Kathmandu prior to elections. Photo: Harold Ryan/IMS

Though applauding the peaceful elections in Nepal on 10 April, Nepali and international press freedom advocates voice deep concerns over incidents of journalists being denied access to cover the election

During the election campaign leading up to the April 10 election in Nepal, an international media election mission consisting of the International Federation of Journalists, International Media Support, International News Safety Institute, International Press Institute and Internews monitored media safety violations against Nepali media.

In a statement issued on 14 April, the International Press Freedom and Freedom of Expression Mission to Nepal expressed deep concern over the frequent violations of media freedom recorded during the election campaign.

With support from the International Mission, the Federation of Nepali Journalists undertook to monitor and record all media safety violations during the campaign period. Between 1 January 2008 and 10 April, a total of 61 instances of violation of media rights, including access to information and attacks on journalists were recorded.

Restricted access on Election Day 

On Election Day, three teams of national and international monitors took to the field in Nepal to monitor safety violations against media who were trying to cover the election process. A fourth group remained in the capitol of Kathmandu to provide rapid response assistance in case of serious offences against media actors.

The monitors witnessed and reported on incidents including difficulties for the press to obtain press and vehicle passports, which barred the journalists from free access thus limiting their capacity to report on the election. Furthermore, incidents of local general strikes threatened the safety of journalists and citizens.

The monitoring teams consisted of members of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) and a group of international media organisations called the International Press Freedom and Freedom of Expression Mission to Nepal who have backed local efforts to promote freedom of expression in Nepal with international support since 2005.

The International Mission will issue a full report on the media monitoring once the electoral process in Nepal has come to an end.