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Zimbabwe elections 2008: Reporting and safety guidelines
MISA-Zimbabwe
January 30, 2008

http://www.swradioafrica.com/Documents/misa060208.pdf

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Introduction
In compiling and coming up with this abridged manual on journalism reporting guidelines and safety measures, MISA-Zimbabwe is cognisant of the fundamental role played by the media in the democratisation process, good governance, transparency, accountability and respect for human dignity.

While the media should at all times conduct itself professionally and within the confines of the ethics of the profession, this role becomes even more imperative during election time when the citizens expectations for renewal or continuity of leadership to spur socio-economic development, peace and stability takes centre stage.

The harmonised presidential, parliamentary, senatorial and local government elections slated for 29 March 2008 coming on the backdrop of the country's economic meltdown pose the greatest challenge to the media and journalists to contextualise, interpret and articulate the citizens' concerns and expectations. That the elections are being variously described as the watershed make or break elections in the country's electoral history presumably after the 1980 elections sets the tone on the expected coverage and reportage of the general elections.

The media is therefore faced with the challenge of providing citizens with access to all the facts, opinions and ideas within the framework of the expectations of the citizens by holding the government to account, promote rule of law and respect for human rights and above all telling truth to power. It is the media's duty to ensure that the election manifestoes and campaigns of political parties and candidates remain focused on the socio-economic and political issues that are crying for attention.

This period requires pro-active journalism as opposed to event-based journalism where the pace is set and dictated by politicians. Journalists should set the agenda and go the extra mile to gather as much information on the track record of the contesting parties and candidates' policies and programmes to assist the electorate make informed decisions and choices come election day.

The media is there to serve the citizens by educating the electorate on how to vote as well as familiarizing them with the role and functions of electoral bodies. This is a national duty that calls for extensive research, sober reflections, planning, organization and optimum utilization of available resources.

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