Journalists urged on ethics ahead of polls

Journalists have been urged to be bound by their professional ethics during the forthcoming presidential elections, especially by giving all candidates balanced coverage during the campaigns. The call was made yesterday by the chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), Prof Chrysologue Karangwa, during a consultative meeting between the commission and media practitioners. The meeting was aimed at discussing and exchanging ideas on how media coverage should be done during elections and finding best practices for reporters. Karangwa urged media practitioners to report professionally and follow the electoral code that is expected to be published soon. “As we gear towards a sensitive period, you should be prepared for it and report news that will not create conflicts during the campaigns,” Karangwa said, adding that this will subsequently ensure a free and fair election. He called upon media practitioners to always give updates on the preparations of the polls that are slated for August this year. During the meeting, it was recommended that media partners with NEC during the elections. Journalists were also cautioned not to report results before they are declared by NEC officially to avoid reporting falsehoods. Ends