Many observers say the role of the media in elections should
be to stay neutral and fair in disseminating information. In Ghana, where
elections are being held this Sunday, December 7, some members of the
public have raised concerns over the
possibility of violence during the impending presidential and parliamentary
elections. Already a few clashes have been reported among some supporters of
the two dominant parties, the New Patriotic Party and the National Democratic
Congress. Voice of America English to Africa Service's Joana Mantey, in Accra, reports.
In a developing
country such as Ghana, what role can the media play in forestalling violence
during the elections? Affail Monney is the vice president of the Ghana
Journalist Association (GJA). He says the association is making efforts to
promote fair reporting, which he says is essential because there is evidence
from other countries that the media can be used to inflame passions and
accelerate conflict:
“People are saying
[the success of the elections will be] based on the accuracy of media coverage.
People are worried about the type of reporting that accompanies the elections
because the media has the power to incite violence, hatred and heighten
tension,” Monney says.
The situation
presents a challenge to the GJA in a country where the level of illiteracy is
still high and people depend largely on the media to disseminate information.
Monney says formerly, politicians had to go from house to house with their
campaign messages or adopt other means to reach voters.
In recent years, the
media has fought for greater rights, by challenging restrictive press laws
which the courts agreed were unconstitutional. Monney says journalists’
newfound assertiveness has influenced national elections:
“Now, 85% of
Ghanaians have access to radio. They can therefore be influenced by what they
hear. [Eight years ago], the media played a key role in ensuring the defeat of
the NDC, which was seen as anti-media. Since then they have maintained their
capacity as vanguards of democratic change,” he says.
Monney said to
promote fair reporting the association has organized various training programs
on the elections for its members. It's also reviewed its guidelines on
election coverage and made copies available to all journalists: “We expect them to use that not only as
guidelines but as their bible, from which they will draw inspiration. That way
nobody will blame the media for doing injustice to their professional role.”
The electoral commission must certify final election results before they can be announced. In an effort to avoid conflict, the media must emphasize that early results are provisional. Monney said the Media Centre in Accra will serve as a focal point for the dissemination of the final tally. Complaints can be filed with the national media commission against media houses that violate electoral ethics.
