3UHDPEOH
With due emphasis on the fundamental
principle of editorial independence and
importance of the media during election
periods;
sure the success of democratic processes
and in particular:
• The African Charter on Human and
Peoples‘ Rights (1981),
• The Windhoek Declaration on Promoting an Independent and Pluralistic African Press (1991),
• The African Charter on Broadcasting
(2001)
• The Declaration of Principles on
Freedom of Expression in Africa,
adopted by formalresolution by the
African Commission on Human and
Peoples’ Rights (2002),
• The SADC Principles and Guidelines
Governing Democratic Elections
(2004)
• The Southern African Broadcasting
Association: Guidelines and Principles for Broadcast Coverage of Election in the SADC Region (2005)
• The African Charter on Democracy,
Elections and Governance (2007),
Firmly guided by the protocols, charters,
conventions and guidelines endorsed,
signed and/or ratified by our governments in the region in their desire to en-
Acknowledging the continuing challenges of limited access to information
during the electoral cycle, amidst election conflict and violence, throughout
We, the participants - journalists, broadcasters, media practitioners, media organisations, media councils and representatives of electoral management
bodies throughout the SADC region
gathered in Johannesburg, South Africa
on 26 September, 2012 for the MISA
Conference on Media and Elections.
Recognizing the importance of democratic elections at all levels;
Noting the important role of free media
in promoting democracy, including the
conduct of free and
fair elections;
6R7KLVLV'HPRFUDF\"