The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Friday, urged journalists to adhere to all laws, regulations, and guidelines for the upcoming Governorship election in Edo State on September 21. The commission emphasized the importance of following rules from relevant regulatory bodies and upholding the ethics of journalism on election day.
Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC chairman, addressed reporters, producers, and on-air personalities at a forum in Benin, Edo State. He stressed that journalists must not film or photograph individuals in the polling zone without their consent, nor capture any voter marking a ballot paper.
Oyekanmi also highlighted that journalists are prohibited from taking photos or acquiring footage that reveals personal details of voters, filming or photographing the voter register, voter cards, or any related documents, as this could breach voter privacy. Additionally, journalists are not permitted to handle any polling materials.
He noted, “The role you play as journalists in shaping our democracy is crucial. As the fourth estate of the realm, the media is not just a conveyor of information but also a vital player in the democratic process, particularly during elections. Your work influences public perception, informs voter decisions, and upholds the integrity of the electoral process.
“The media is an indispensable partner in the conduct of elections.
Your role extends beyond mere reporting; you are the bridge between the electorate and the electoral process. Through your platforms, you educate voters on their rights, responsibilities, and the procedures of the electoral process.
“You highlight the manifestos and policies of candidates, facilitating informed choices by the electorate.
Your investigative journalism brings transparency, exposing malpractices and ensuring accountability.
“Moreover, in an era of misinformation and fake news, your role as gatekeepers of factual information is critical. It is through your dedication to truth and accuracy that voters are protected from misleading narratives that could compromise the integrity of the elections.”
Similarly, he said journalists covering the election must abide by all laws and INEC regulations and guidelines, all rules and codes from relevant regulatory bodies as well as the ethics of the journalism profession.
“Journalists are not allowed to film or take photographs of any individual within the polling zone without his/her consent, film or photograph any voter marking a ballot paper, photograph, acquire pictures, film footage, or audio commentary that reveals personal details of the voter.
“Journalists are not also allowed to film, photograph, or copy the register of voters, voter cards, or any other document(s) as would infringe on the privacy of any voter and should not handle any polling material.”
Olumekun also instructed journalists to always display their identification tags issued by the commission on polling day. They are expected to be present at the polling units from the opening of polls to cover all stages of the voting process, including voter accreditation, the voting period, the counting of ballots, and the posting of results, provided they do not disrupt the process or compromise voters’ right to vote in secrecy.
Journalists are permitted to move around the polling units, interview voters, observers, or other individuals within the polling area, as long as their actions do not interfere with the voting process or the work of poll officials. Additionally, the media are allowed to cover the deployment and retrieval of sensitive materials used during the polling process.
