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Rejoice Makoni
Herald Correspondent
The Zimbabwe Media Commission [ZMC] has called upon the media industry to create and produce content that promotes peace ahead of the upcoming harmonised elections.
The Commission gave journalists an election reporting and peace journalism manual that addresses peace reporting, violence and conflict resolution, safety of journalists, elections and women, elections and youths among other issues.
ZMC chairperson Professor Ruby Magosvongwe said ZMC was taking important steps to ensure media plays its role in the upcoming elections.
“Regarding the upcoming elections, the commission is particularly interested in seeing a professional and responsible media which promotes free flow of information and content which enables our citizens to make informed decision.
“Elections should not divide us. Different choices do not diminish our collectivity. We are still Zimbabweans, one family, driven by shared hopes, dreams, aspirations and we share a common history.
“The media as the fourth estate is expected to provide a communication platform between the contestants and the voters. By providing such a platform for public debate, scrutiny and informing the public of the policies of candidates and political parties, the media enables voters to judge for themselves and make informed decisions when they cast their votes or ballots.
“The ability of voters to make informed choices is one of the key aspects of a democratic electoral process. The media provides a platform for debate among candidates by allowing candidates to communicate their messages to the electorate, and reporting on campaigning developments. The role of the media should be to inform voters on how to exercise their rights and monitor the electoral process” she said.
She also called upon stakeholders to respect and allow journalists to work without hindrances and called upon media players to conduct themselves professionally.
“In line with the provisions of the Electoral Act, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission will soon be setting up a Media Monitoring Committee to monitor the coverage of the 2023 Harmonised General Elections.
“The committee will be comprised of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission [ZEC], ZMC and the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) and will be chaired by ZEC” she added.
ZMC also welcomed the proclamation of elections date by President Mnangagwa. The elections give Zimbabweans an opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to choose their leaders.
ZMC is the regulator of the media industry in Zimbabwe whose functions include the duty to uphold, promote and develop freedom of the media, to promote and enforce good practices and ethics in the media and to promote fair competition and diversity in the media.
Online Reporter