Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) and Media Monitors (MM) have urged media practitioners to practise responsible journalism to avoid stoking tensions and political violence before and after the elections.
In a statement, ZMC said the media had a duty to contribute to the holding of peaceful and credible elections.
“The commission urges all media to practise ethical and professional journalism in the coverage of the elections and not to act like political activists,” the commission said in a statement to mark Heroes and Defence Forces Days on Monday and yesterday.
“Freedom of expression excludes incitement to hatred and hate speech, incitement of violence and above all, it does not provide for falsehoods which are witnessed in social (media) platforms today.”
In a separate report titled: Baseline on election reporting, MM said the media had a crucial role to play in disseminating accurate information through balanced reporting.
“The media should strive to maintain neutrality and impartiality in their coverage of the election, avoiding any form of bias or partiality towards any political party or candidate,” the report read.
“The media should prioritise factual accuracy in their reporting, verifying their sources and ensuring that all information presented is accurate and verified. The media should provide balanced coverage to all political parties and candidates, giving them equal airtime and coverage.
“The media should focus on issues that are relevant to the electorate, such as the economy, healthcare, education, and employment, rather than engaging in sensationalism or personal attacks.”
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Last week, the Young Journalists Association (Yoja) wrote to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) seeking to be apprised on the progress in the establishment of the media monitoring committee (MMC) for next week’s elections as required by the law.
Section 160K(1) of the Electoral Act compels Zec to monitor coverage of the elections by the local media.
MMC has traditionally been chaired by the commission.
In a letter dated August 11 addressed to Zec chairperson Priscilla Chigumba, Yoja through its lawyers Atherstone & Cook demanded to know when the commission would set up the committee.
