brought to justice; State and public broadcasters are transformed into truly public service broadcasters as outlined amongst others in the African Charter on Broadcasting; j) Whistleblowers are protected; k) Complaints procedures for aggrieved media professionals exist (e.g. complaint mechanisms of Electoral Management Bodies). i) Public authorities should take appropriate steps for the effective protection of journalists and other media personnel and their premises. At the same time this protection should not obstruct them in carrying out their work. Journalists reporting on the electoral process have a right to be protected from undue pressure and interference from public authorities with a view to influencing the elections. (WKLFDOFRQVLGHUDWLRQVLQ HOHFWLRQFRYHUDJH Journalists and editors should act with integrity and should neither ask for, nor accept bribes of any kind, be they financial or other, or give special favours to any politicians or party. Journalists should not defame or promote hate, violence or corruption. Given the critical importance of media in covering the elections, the media must at all times observe the core values and principles of journalism which include: a) Fairness and Accuracy During election periods media must recognise that government officials are in a position to use their incumbency to advance their electoral prospects and should regard with particular caution any statement or action by an official of an incumbent party. In particular, media should ensure that they do not afford the policies of incumbent parties’ greater legitimacy than they would afford those policies or actions if the party were not in government. News reports must be factual, accurate, well- sourced and based on sound evidence. News should be comprehensive, fair and balanced ensuring that all candidates, parties and election issues are given equitable and gender sensitive coverage. b) Opinion and Analysis Editorial opinion must be clearly distinguished from fact or news. A diversity of opinions representing the broadest possible range of views and ideas especially those of contesting candidates and political parties should be allowed across all media platforms. Media which choose to endorse candidates or parties must ensure the endorsement is clearly presented as opinion and is not part of its news reports. Analysis should provide insights based on research and diversity of expert opinions which enable voters to get a deeper understanding of processes, issues and candidates. 6R7KLVLV'HPRFUDF\"