Maputo, 29 Sep (AIM) – The Mozambican chapter of the regional press freedom body MISA (Media Institute of Southern Africa) has expressed concern at those journalists and owners of media outlets who are participating in the current municipal election campaign, and even standing as candidates for political parties.
MISA believes that someone who wishes to stand for political office cannot be a journalist at the same time. He should resign or suspend his journalism activity while campaigning.
Participating in the election campaign, MISA claimed, “endangers the professionalism, credibility and editorial independence of the media”.
MISA has written to the media outlets concerned asking for information about the conditions under which they have allowed their professionals to take part in political activity.
What guarantees can they give, MISA asked, that they will not suffer political interference?
While awaiting answers to these questions, MISA urges all journalists to respect the ethical principles of the profession, as well as the laws and regulations that govern journalism during election periods.
In MISA’s view even privately owned media (except those that are openly part of political parties) should operate as editorially independent bodies “which promote political pluralism, in line with good democratic practices, the Constitution and the Press Law”.
(AIM)
Pf/ (215)
