The National Independent Electoral Authority has reiterated the need for strict adherence to regulations concerning media coverage of rallies and grassroots activities during the electoral campaign for the upcoming September 7 presidential elections.
In a statement, the authority emphasized that this reminder is in line with the provisions of Ordinance No. 21-01, dated March 10, 2021, which encompasses the organic law related to the electoral system. This also aligns with Decision No. 17, dated July 15, 2024, which outlines the modalities and procedures for media access and coverage of candidate publicity for the early presidential elections scheduled for September 7, 2024, as well as Decision No. 36, dated August 5, 2024, which establishes the rules for organizing and conducting the draw to allocate airtime for candidate interventions on national audiovisual media during the election period.
Furthermore, this reminder falls under the framework of Decision No. 176, dated August 16, 2024, which regulates media coverage of rallies and grassroots activities related to the electoral campaign for the upcoming presidential elections on September 7, 2024.
The authority highlighted the media coverage rules for electoral rallies and grassroots activities, which require audiovisual, print, and electronic media to adhere to a set of principles during the electoral campaign coverage.
The authority noted that candidates for the upcoming September 7, 2024, presidential elections are entitled to equal and fair media coverage on authorized national audiovisual media throughout the campaign period, which runs from August 15 to September 3, 2024.
Each candidate will also receive equitable and fair media coverage for their rallies and grassroots activities during the electoral campaign. The authority underscored the necessity of avoiding preferential treatment towards any candidate.
If a candidate delegates a representative (such as a party, organization, association, citizens, or others) to conduct campaign activities within their electoral program, the time allocated for media coverage of these activities will be counted within the candidate’s designated airtime on authorized audiovisual media.
The authority also stressed that any violation or complaint regarding media coverage of the electoral campaign by any candidate or their legally authorized representative should be reported to the Independent Authority, which will notify the National Audiovisual Regulatory Authority to take appropriate measures in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
