/Introduction
This sixth media monitoring report on the 2018 elections highlights trends in the Zimbabwean media’s performance in their coverage of the elections. The study assessed the level to which the media is fair and balanced in representing political players. The report covers issues reported by the media on the sixth day of the election period – 5 June 2018.
Conclusion
Trends recorded on the sixth day of monitoring show that the media is making gradual progress in accommodating more political parties in their prime-time programming and in the press. However, a lot needs to be done for the coverage to be deemed fair since more than 130 parties have registered their intentions to take part in the harmonised elections and yet only 20 have received media coverage so far. Despite the increase in the number of parties covered, the media should ensure their tone of coverage is neutral so as not to mislead the electorate.
The media should take heed of the electoral commission’s reminder that the country is officially in the electoral period. This should be reflected in their reportage, which is expected to be professional, fair and equitable as stated in the Electoral Act.
ZEC should follow up its statement on the expected media conduct with an effective monitoring mechanism that enables the commission to address lapses in professional conduct during the electoral period.
Source: Media Monitors
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