The Electoral Commission of Zambia ( ECZ ) has called for a free and reliable media to effectively report elections issues.
ECZ Deputy Director for Voter Education Jocelyn Mubita says the media industry plays a vital role in elections process hence the need for it to be free and objective in the coverage of all actors in the electoral process.
Ms. Mubita further challenged the media to provide fair and accurate information during campaigns for the public to have informed information.
Ms. Mubita said this when she opened a Muvi TV in house training on ethical election reporting at the private broadcasting station’s offices, today.
She noted that it is only when the media is independent that that it will be able to provide people with accurate information about the electoral process.
“The media forms and shapes the perceptions of the public about issues elections and politics inclusive. Hence the media should be well informed in order for them to be able to give accurate information.
” For instance, the media should take keen interest in election issues to be conversant with what goes on exactly and report objectively and actually to the public, ” she said.
The ECZ Deputy Director for Voter Education has also urged the media to play a watchdog role and protest the public interest in the elections.
She said this is because the media industry has got power to stop malpractices in the electoral process through their watchdog role. The watchdog role should help on protect public interest and encourage peaceful conduct of elections, she said.
The ECZ Director has for this reason challenged reporters to report on real issues than concentrate on personalities of candidate.
Ms. Mubita also disclosed that the ECZ has embarked on the training of media personnel across the country ahead of the 2011 general elections.
She said training is intended to equip the media personnel to better understand their role in the electoral process.
ZANIS
Name and shame them. DeadNBC, Slimes of Zambia and Daily Snail. They are rotten to the core. They all will be fired. Mafuso, Peri and Malimo and his friend Matika kuya bebele.
just call a spade, a spade!
Stop telling us rubbish, just tell your vuvuzela RB to announce the election date. That is the most important thing people want to hear from ECZ