The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has expressed concerns over the Electoral Commission’s (EC) decision to limit the number of media houses allowed to cover the collation process during elections. The foundation argues that the directive could undermine transparency and accountability, urging the EC to reconsider its stance in order to uphold the media’s critical role in ensuring credible elections.
According to the EC, the restrictions are aimed at creating a conducive environment for the collation of election results. Dr. Bossman Asare, Deputy Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, justified the decision, stating, “In the wisdom of the commission, the conclusion was that to create an enabling environment for a smooth collation exercise, let’s restrict the numbers.” He further explained that at the constituency level, eight media houses would be accredited, while at the regional level, twelve media houses would be allowed access. Dr. Asare defended the numbers as adequate, asserting that the EC’s directive was designed to ensure the collation process is not disrupted.
Despite the assurances from the EC, the MFWA maintains that such limitations could hinder the media’s ability to effectively cover the electoral process, which is a cornerstone of democratic accountability. The foundation has repeatedly emphasized the need for broader media access to ensure transparency and public trust in the electoral process. It warns that restrictions of this nature could raise questions about the fairness and integrity of the elections, given the significant role the media plays in disseminating accurate and timely information to the public.
Speaking on Channel One TV on Tuesday, November 26, Sulemana Braimah, Executive Director of the MFWA, expressed his surprise and disappointment at the directive. He described the move as a misstep and called on the EC to immediately reverse it. Braimah pointed out that the directive does not align with the current realities of media coverage. “Since when did media coverage become just radio and television? What about newspapers, what about online publications?” he questioned. Braimah noted that in an age where information is rapidly disseminated across various platforms, restricting media access to specific outlets undermines the broader spectrum of media participation, which is critical for a credible electoral process.
He went further to highlight the potential implications of the EC’s restrictions, noting that they could exclude certain key media players who contribute significantly to election coverage. “This is a very misdirected action and, well, as they say, better late than never. This is something that I think should be reversed,” Braimah remarked.
The MFWA has consistently advocated for media freedom and its role in fostering accountability, particularly during electoral processes. The foundation argues that limiting the number of accredited media outlets could inadvertently exclude diverse perspectives and limit the dissemination of balanced information to the public. It fears that such restrictions could create an information gap, leaving voters with incomplete or one-sided narratives about the elections.
The call for the EC to reconsider its directive comes against the backdrop of growing concerns about the need for greater transparency in election management. Electoral processes in democratic societies rely heavily on public trust, which is often reinforced by the media’s ability to provide unbiased and comprehensive coverage. For this reason, the MFWA has urged the EC to prioritize inclusivity by allowing a wider range of media houses to participate in the collation process.
Observers have also noted that the EC’s restrictions could inadvertently fuel suspicion among stakeholders in the electoral process. Critics argue that reducing media access at such critical stages could give room for misinformation and speculation, which are detrimental to the credibility of election results. By limiting the number of media outlets, the EC risks creating a perception of secrecy, which could undermine confidence in the electoral process.
The MFWA’s concerns reflect a broader sentiment among media practitioners and civil society organizations, who view unrestricted access as essential to ensuring free and fair elections. The foundation has highlighted examples from previous elections where extensive media coverage played a vital role in ensuring transparency and accountability. It argues that the EC’s directive, if implemented, could reverse the progress made in enhancing election credibility through media participation.
While the EC insists that the restrictions are intended to streamline the collation process, the MFWA and other stakeholders believe that inclusivity should not be sacrificed in the name of efficiency. The foundation has called for a collaborative approach to address the issue, urging the EC to engage with media stakeholders to find a solution that balances the need for order with the importance of transparency.
The ongoing debate underscores the critical role of the media in democratic governance. Election observers have often noted that an open and transparent electoral process is key to fostering public trust and ensuring the legitimacy of election outcomes. As such, any measures that could be perceived as limiting transparency are likely to attract scrutiny and criticism.
The MFWA has emphasized the importance of dialogue in resolving the issue. It has called on the EC to engage with media representatives and civil society organizations to reconsider its decision. Such engagement, the foundation argues, would provide an opportunity to address the EC’s concerns about order during the collation process while ensuring that media participation is not unduly restricted.
As the country prepares for the upcoming elections, stakeholders are urging the EC to prioritize transparency and public trust. The media, as a watchdog of democracy, plays a critical role in this regard, and any attempt to curtail its participation could have far-reaching implications. The MFWA’s call for the EC to reconsider its directive highlights the need for a balanced approach that upholds the principles of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in the electoral process.
By reversing the restrictions and allowing broader media access, the EC could demonstrate its commitment to a fair and transparent electoral process, reinforcing public confidence in its ability to manage elections impartially. The MFWA remains hopeful that the EC will take the necessary steps to address the concerns raised and ensure that the media’s role in promoting credible elections is fully recognized and supported.
