INEC Urges Journalists to Abide by Electoral Laws and Guidelines Ahead of Edo State Governorship Election
In a statement released on Friday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reminded journalists of their responsibilities in the coverage of the September 21 Governorship election in Edo State. The commission’s Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, made this declaration at a forum for reporters, producers, and on-air personalities in Benin, Edo State.
Oyekanmi emphasized the importance of journalists adhering to all laws, regulations, and guidelines, as well as relevant regulatory bodies’ rules and codes, as they discharge their duties on election day. He stressed that journalists must also respect the ethics of the journalism profession.
According to the statement, journalists are prohibited from filming or taking photographs of individuals within the polling zone without their consent, as well as from taking pictures, acquiring footage, or collecting audio commentary that reveals personal details of voters. Furthermore, journalists are not allowed to handle polling material, copy voter registers, voter cards, or other documents that could infringe on voters’ privacy.
Oyekanmi also highlighted the crucial role that journalists play in shaping democracy, particularly during elections. He noted that journalists serve as the bridge between the electorate and the electoral process, educating voters on their rights, responsibilities, and voting procedures. They also facilitate informed choices by highlighting candidates’ manifestos and policies, while their investigative journalism helps maintain transparency and accountability.
In addition, the media has the right to cover the deployment of sensitive materials and the retrieval of used and unused sensitive materials after the polling process. Journalists are, however, expected to exercise this right without obstructing the voting process or compromising voters’ statutory right to secrecy.
The INEC also emphasized the importance of journalists displaying their identification tags issued by the commission at all times on polling day and being at the polling unit from the opening of polls on election day to cover all stages of the polling process.
As the electoral commission continues to prepare for the Governorship election in Edo State, this reminder serves as a crucial reminder to journalists of their responsibilities in ensuring a smooth and fair electoral process.