The Election Commission (EC) has sought assurances of equal opportunities for all candidates in television talk shows and election-related programmes ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election and referendum.

In this regard, the EC on Wednesday sent a letter to the Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, stressing the importance of maintaining a fair and balanced media environment during the election period.

The letter said creating a conducive environment is crucial for holding a free, fair and credible election, and that both state-owned and private television channels can play a key role by ensuring equal access to information dissemination for all candidates.

It noted that while airing various programmes, interviews, talk shows or electoral dialogues related to the upcoming election and referendum, TV channels should ensure equal opportunities for political parties and candidates.

Referring to the Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates, the EC said candidates or party representatives may participate in election dialogues organised by television channels, but are prohibited from making personal attacks against others.

The commission instructed that necessary measures be taken to ensure all candidates receive equal opportunities in election dialogues or other programmes on government and private TV channels, and that no content is broadcast which demeans or targets any party or candidate through derogatory remarks.