MISA urges media coverage that guards against electoral disputes

Misinformation, unbalanced reporting, and lack of professionalism by the media have been observed as the major drivers of electoral disputes in most countries, especially during and after the election period.

This came out at a media discussion held by the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) in Harare on Monday, which coincided with the last day of the elections campaign in Zimbabwe as the nation holds elections today, 23 August 2023.

The major political players are ZANU (PF) led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) headed by Nelson Chamisa. Other parties are the United Zimbabwe Alliance (UZA) led by the only female presidential candidate – history in the making – Elisabeth Valerio,  and the Movement for Democratic Change  (MDCT)  among others.

Mr. Edson Kapondo, a Parliamentary journalist and media advisor, said as Zimbabweans cast their ballots, journalists are also part of observers.

“Let’s go and cover elections peacefully and promote peace in all spheres. Above all, let’s be safe because there is no story worth dying for,” he said.

He said that promoting and respecting of rights of journalists goes a long way in ensuring their safety and security during political gatherings and events.

“The media plays a fundamental role in democratization, accountability, and respect for human rights. Political parties and candidates in Zimbabwe’s 2023 elections have an immense responsibility to promote the rights of journalists and the media to operate without hindrance. This will ensure access to diverse information for informed choices and decisions.

“Electoral disputes will always be there because elections are like a race where every competitor will be eying for the first position but it’s not always the case that everyone becomes the winner. Some will lose and that is when discontentment normally arises,” he said.

Kapondo said whenever electoral disputes arise, they should be solved amicably.

“So far the country has over 150 cases of electoral disputes that are before the courts and it’s normal. It is the judge’s discretion to do the findings. It is normal to have such kinds of disputes and some will end up paving a better way to electoral laws reforms among other positive ways that help in building the country in a democratic way,” he said.

 MISA Zimbabwe has been holding meetings with political parties and the police to ensure journalists operate without hindrance in fulfillment of their constitutionally protected duties while also ensuring their safety at political events.

MISA Zimbabwe therefore urges political parties to rein in their supporters and promote the rule of law as the media has the lawful responsibility of informing voters about their election campaign messages without hindrance.

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) was founded in 1992. Its work focuses on promoting, and advocating for, the unhindered enjoyment of freedom of expression, access to information, and free, independent, diverse, and pluralistic media.