FACTSHEET: Did some private media platforms violate IEC regulations ahead of the presidential election?

0
420
IEC Campaign timetable

On December 3, online television, Eye Africa aired an exclusive interview with President Adama Barrow. Paradise TV also showed campaign advertisements of Independent candidate- Essa Faal and the National People’s Party (NPP), contrary to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) media rules on the election.

The IEC timetable for the presidential election states that all parties should end their campaigns, including political advertisements in the media on December 2.

“No political [party] publication or advertisement shall be carried by the Public or Private Media (on air or in print) in The Gambia, following the close of the campaign at midnight on Thursday 2nd December 2021,” the IEC has stated as part of its special provisions for the end of the campaign.

According to the election management body, the directive does not affect news analysis and election literacy programmes provided they are balanced and objective.

Six candidates including President Adama Barrow were confirmed by the IEC to contest in the December 4 election. 

IEC Election Timetable

Source: Independent Electoral Commission (IEC)

IEC issues statement

“The Commission regrets the act of some private media houses that aired political broadcasts on cooling off day (3rd December, 2021). Media houses are urged to desist from such unacceptable practices,” a statement signed by the Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission, Alieu Momarr Njai stated.

The 2021-2023 electoral cycle in The Gambia includes the presidential election on December 4, 2021, followed by the legislative and local government elections on April 22, 2022, and May 13, 2023, respectively.

 

By Awa Macalo and Sulayman Saye

Source: Independent Electoral Commission (IEC)

IEC issues statement

“The Commission regrets the act of some private media houses that aired political broadcasts on cooling off day (3rd December, 2021). Media houses are urged to desist from such unacceptable practices,” a statement signed by the Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission, Alieu Momarr Njai stated.

The 2021-2023 electoral cycle in The Gambia includes the presidential election on December 4, 2021, followed by the legislative and local government elections on April 22, 2022, and May 13, 2023, respectively.

By Awa Macalo and Sulayman Saye

 

Previous articleFalse Claim
Next articleGambia Decides 2021: This is What Will Happen if the Election Results are Contested
Sang Mendy, managing director of the Media Academy for Journalism and Communication (MAJAC), is by default the head of Fact Check Gambia. Sang holds a BA in Journalism and Digital Media from the University of The Gambia. He also holds an Advanced Diploma in Mass Communication and a Higher Teachers Certificate. Prior to being the manager, he worked as a journalism trainer and a radio producer. Sang spends his spare time mentoring the young.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here