Briefer on Human Rights and Elections for Journalists

WHAT ROLE DO JOURNALISTS SERVE DURING ELECTIONS?

Journalists enjoy the unique position of being both a conveyor and a recipient of information. Journalists have both the responsibility to provide election-related information to the public and the right to access the information from election management bodies and political parties and candidates. Journalists should be allowed access to and report on election-related events organized by election management bodies, political parties, and candidates.

JOURNALISM ETHICS AND STANDARDS

Responsible journalism strengthens public participation and contributes to a more credible and inclusive election. It also increases the transparency and accountability of the democratic process. Biased or partisan reporting can affect the integrity of the electoral process and trigger election-related conflict and violence. It is crucial that journalists stand by their code of ethics and standards

of accuracy, fairness, and objectivity during the whole electoral cycle. Journalists should avoid worsening social tensions. There must be strict observance of the rules of accuracy, verification, impartiality, neutrality and honesty in gathering and reporting news.