Election coverage must be professional

The Chairman of National Electoral Commission, Wednesday, appealed to media practitioners in the country to objectively cover the upcoming Presidential elections, slated for August 9. Elections coverage, especially presidential, requires a high level of professionalism since it is the exercise whereby the people chose the person to lead the country. All candidates should be accorded unbiased coverage. The nature of the work does not allow journalists and reporters to take sides. Media reports should be accurate. Facts need to be verified and every event should be reported as it happens. There are election legislations and guidelines in place, which journalists should adhere to. As we usher into the election period and draw closer to the election date, media houses should carry out aggressive research and inform the public objectively. The Rwandan people, as voters, will need to make correct and informed decisions and it is the medias’ responsibility to act as channels for providing the people with accurate information, which will help them vote objectively. The electoral commission has done its part in organizing the elections, the government has ensured that each and every Rwandan exercises their right to vote, the media should now play its part by objectively informing the voting public. Ends

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Election coverage must be professional