Media Commission of IEC, shared a plane called “regulating bill for the Mass Media activities during elections” in a meeting with Media activist and officials in Kabul Star Hotel.
On the meeting discussions and criticisms have been made to the draft copy of the bill.
For instance, it is mentioned in some parts of the bill that " Media can’t broadcast statistics and surveys related to the candidates influences among the people which somehow reflects the campaign in favor or against a candidate or candidates."
Afghanistan's National Journalists Union believes that the bill have problems and mistakes that should be corrected before implementation.
According to the issue which has been mentioned, Afghanistan's National Journalists Union believes that in all countries which have election based system, pre-election surveys are being done about the candidates and the possible winner.
We emphasize that Media should not be prohibited for publishing and distributing the polls on candidates, instead the Independent Election Commission should introduce a mechanism to insure the accuracy and transparency of these polls.
Afghanistan's National Journalists Union has some other ideas and suggestions about the bill which have also been sent in an official letter to the Media commission of IEC.
Media Commission of IEC officials have also promised in yesterday’s meeting to consider the suggestions of Media activists for modifications in the bill.
Afghanistan's National Journalists Union expects the IEC officials to fulfill their promises and provide a completely professional and standard Elections coverage for Journalists of the country.
Afghanistan National Journalists Union
