Debate and discussion platforms,
which include representatives of all
shades of political opinion, experts
and civil society representatives
should be organised. As far as possible, and especially in the electronic
media (including presidential or
prime ministerial), candidates should
be given an opportunity to debate
with each other in moderated programmes.
c) Use of Language
Media must, without censoring and
undermining freedom of expression
of anyone, avoid and preclude the
use of language which constitutes
hate speech incites violence or promotes stereotypes.
d) Right of reply
A fair opportunity to reply to inaccuracies and allegations contained
in a report that has been broadcast
or published should be given to aggrieved individuals or organisations.
The right of reply must be given in
a timely manner and in a similar
programme and with respect to the
print media in space of appropriate
prominence.
e) Diversity and Confidentiality of
Sources
The media have an obligation to
reflect the diversity and plurality
of voices in society in its coverage
including those of marginalised
groups.
Reporting should be gender-balanced and sensitive, treating men
and women equally as news sources
and subjects.



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Confidentiality of sources must be
protected by the media (whereby the
journalist knows the identity of the
source even when not revealing it).
Whenever possible the media should
refrain from using anonymous
sources (whereby the journalist does
not know the identity of the source).
The principle of multiple sources to
verify information and facts applies.
The media should recognise their
obligation to the electorate to provide a full and accurate record of
events and developments. It is critically important that media proactively seek information from political
parties and not wait for information
to be delivered to them. Failure to
do so will give parties with greater
resources inequitable amounts of
news coverage.
f) Media Public Accountability
In ensuring their responsibility to
the voters and exercising their right
to freedom of expression, journalists shall respect the rights, integrity
and reputation of others in terms of
these guidelines as well as codes of
conduct established by self-regulatory bodies.

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Journalists are expected to distinguish
between Election Observation being the
information gathering, fact finding and
reporting on the credibility, legitimacy
and transparency of the electoral proc-

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