by Aaron Maasho Aaron Maasho – Tue Mar 23, 1:46 pm ET
ADDIS ABABA (AFP) – A new press code that sets guidelines for coverage of Ethiopia's elections in May has drawn fire from embattled media staff, who face fines and jail time if found guilty of violations.
The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia approved the framework two weeks ago, ahead of the May 23 polls, but journalists are already voicing their disapproval and fears over its restrictions.
The code bans journalists from carrying out interviews of voters, candidates and observers during election day, while it also prohibits predictions ahead of the announcement of results.
Transgressors face one year in jail for reporting on the latter.
"We stand against every article that is stipulated in the law. It simply puts an unreasonable amount of burden on any journalist," Anteneh Abraham, head of the Ethiopian National Journalists Union, told AFP Tuesday.
"We simply can't work under those conditions. The strict restrictions have instilled fear in all media workers," he added.
Further restrictions have also been placed on coverage from inside polling stations during the same day, in particular the limited access granted for photography and video footage. " Read Full Story≫
"For example, predictions are not allowed because there is no credible institution that can carry out polls in Ethiopia". That is an insalting to the ethiopian people.
ReplyDeleteIt should be written like this...
"For example, the election is not allowed because there is no credible institution that can carry out election process in fare and free way in Ethiopia".
Ewnetu Bogale