Don’t start something you can’t defend - NDC MP warns EC over plans to limit media access.
The Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has issued a strong warning to the Electoral Commission (EC) regarding its plans to restrict media coverage of the collation process for the 2024 general elections.
In a post on X on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, the lawmaker asserted that the EC, which oversees the country's electoral processes, lacks the authority to limit or restrict media houses from covering the elections. He emphasized that elections are public events, and media personnel have the right to cover them to inform and educate the public about the proceedings.
Dafeamekpor, a legal practitioner, argued that the EC’s actions contradict constitutional provisions guaranteeing media freedom and independence. Describing the restriction as unlawful, he warned the EC against initiating measures it could not legally justify in court.
“The EC has no power to limit or prevent any media house from covering a public event or activity. Article 162(1) guarantees the freedom and independence of the media in this country. There is no provision in CI 127 that mandates the EC to limit media coverage of public elections to only a select few media outlets.
Finally, which criteria will guide the EC to select the so-called 8 media stations? EC, please don’t start something you can’t defend in law,” he wrote.
Meanwhile, Dr. Bossman Asare, a Deputy Chair of the Electoral Commission, defended the decision, stating that the measure aims to create a conducive environment for the collation process on December 7. He explained that the restriction would prevent overcrowding at regional collation centers, ensuring an orderly process.
Dr. Asare assured that the EC would inform media houses and observers about the arrangements in the coming days. He further clarified that party agents for all candidates and EC officials overseeing the process would be present, and limiting media coverage to 12 outlets was necessary to maintain a manageable number of individuals and avoid potential chaos.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0