Media Must Report Fair and Accurate Information In Elections – HRC

The Human Rights Commission (HRC) have urged local media to carry out fair and accurate representation of the upcoming elections to ensure credible information is broadcast.

HRC Chief Investigations and Legal Services Officer Kims Banda welcomed participants from the media to a review and validation media workshop in which he encouraged them to ensure the free will of the people prevails in the elections this year.

“We feel the media has a critical role not only to monitor the free will of the people but to also report fairly and accurately of credible information,” he said. 

Mr Banda demonstrated his hope for the current government to provide security to those who are reporting the event.

This was followed by concern over the recent violent actions brought against two journalists by members of the Patriotic Front (PF).

The importance of the election was reiterated by Mr Banda who reminded those in attendance that an election is a human right under Article 21 of the constitution which states “the free will of the people is the basis for the authority of any government.”

Within this, the free and fair involvement of the media is vital.

Photo: Lusaka Times