LIBERALISE THE BROADCAST MEDIA TO ASSIST VOTERS MAKE
INFORMED CHOICES
By Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN)
POWER OF MEDIA
It is obvious that the media plays an influential role in modern politics. In addition
to the traditional electronic and print media, the internet has become a powerful
tool for information dissemination, as evidenced by the reported role of social
networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook during the Arab Spring which saw
the toppling of dictatorial regimes in Tunisia and Egypt.
In many parts of rural sub-Saharan Africa however, print and electronic media
remain the dominant media platforms and the space is severely restricted. These
media spaces become heavily contested territory during election periods. Fair and
balanced media coverage in respect of elections is important. This includes media
coverage in the run up to, during and in the aftermath of polls.
Fair and balanced media coverage contributes to a level playing field for all
political contestants in elections. Conversely, unfair and unbalanced coverage
distorts the playing field by giving unfair advantage to the selected few whilst
undermining their opponents. The media can also play a role in exposing
irregularities which make it a potentially useful watchdog that restrains
contestants and their supporters from engaging in misconduct.
In addition, fair and balanced media provides a platform for politicians to
negotiate access to the voting public. It enables politicians to speak directly to
the public whilst also availing opportunities for the public to put aspiring
representatives under scrutiny. By giving accurate and factual information to the
electorate, it enables them to make informed decisions when voting.
However, used manipulatively, it is also recognised that the media can be a
negative force when, for example, it gives space to hate speech and encourages
violence. It is widely recognised that hate speech through the electronic media
was part of the forces that incited genocide in Rwanda in 1994. Sadly, in most
African countries, the state media continues to be manipulated in favour of the
ruling parties and more seriously, spews hate speech against political opponents,
which incites violence.
LIBERALISE THE BROADCAST MEDIA MARKET
The Electoral Amendment Bill re-enacts the equivalent part of the Zimbabwe
Electoral Commission Act. The ostensible purpose is to ensure that news media
give fair and equitable coverage to all parties contesting an election.
There is a mandatory requirement on public broadcasters to give all parties
contesting an election free access to the broadcasting services as prescribed.
Regulations will be expected to ensure that the time allocation and coverage are
fair and balanced, allowing each party in an election “reasonable opportunity
to present a case through the broadcasting service”.
It is useful that this is a mandatory obligation as the single electronic broadcaster
(ZBC) has been accused in previous elections of supporting the ruling party and
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