The SADC Electoral Observer Mission had similar findings. It noted that the public broadcaster (ZBC) and the State-owned newspapers were in favour of one political party, contrary to the relevant provisions of the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the Revised SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections, which requires State-owned media to be impartial. Similarly, the European Union Election Observer mission said election coverage in the media was not pluralistic. In that regard, the media should ensure: • • • • • • All poitical parties and candidates are treated equitably to the extent, timing and prominence of the coverage accorded to them. Election reports are factually accurate, complete and fair. A clear distinction is made in the news between factual reporting on the election and editorial comment on it. Inaccuracies are rectified without delay and with due prominence. Political parties and candidates are afforded the right of reply. News media do not promote political parties and candidates that encourage violence or hatred. Fundamentally, news media should avoid language that encourages prejudice or hatred, incites violence and may lead to public contempt against any person or political player. RECOMMENDATIONS • Political parties and the police should ensure the safety and security of journalists during campaign rallies and at all times to avert the media freedom violations that contribute to Zimbabwe’s low global media freedom rankings. • Adoption and localisation of the United Nations Plan of Action (UNPA) on the Safety of Journalists into the country’s legislative frameworks as part of concrete efforts to end impunity of crimes against journalists. • Journalists should, and without fail, always strive for balance and fairness in their reportage and stories. In that regard, media professionalism is the very first line of defence for journalists as it is at the heart of media credibility and integrity. • Journalists should avoid taking part in politics if one’s mind is not yet made up as to which of the two, they want to pursue. Participating in political processes and returning to the newsroom upon failure to make it in politics presents serious ethical dilemmas for the industry. ZIMBABWE 2023 ELECTIONS AND BEYOND: MEDIA REGULATION, JOURNALISM SAFETY AND SECURITY 8