Media Urged to Discharge Responsibility in Upcoming Election Professionally

Addis Ababa April 10/2021 (ENA) Effective and responsible role of the media is crucial in ensuring the peaceful conduct of the upcoming general election, according to media persons.

Ethiopian Press Agency Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Fikadu Ketema told ENA that his organization has finalized its preparations by establishing election desk which fully engages in covering the election.

Following the direction set at country level, common direction is set by the editorial to ensure fairness and impartiality while covering all the contending parties, he added.

"The conclusion of this election peacefully and democratically would mean a victory for  Ethiopia. Parties come and go, and a party that loses today can win tomorrow. The process is more important than the outcome of the election. Therefore, the role of the media in the process is enormous.”

When reporting on election, journalists should refrain from things that aggravate hatred and conflict, the deputy chief executive officer stressed, adding that the conduct of democratic election will play important role in ensuring stability, peace and development of the country.

Ahadu Radio and Television General Manager, Tibebu Belete said journalists are prepared for the election by studying the strengths and weaknesses of the previous five elections held in Ethiopia.

He added that the media should not inflame hatred and violence but focus on what is beneficial  for the country.

Fana Broadcasting Corporate Office Head, Adam Tadesse said his company ready to serve all parties equally. 

Recalling that most parties, with the exception of the ruling party and other few parties, did not use their allotted time in the previous elections, he urged parties to use their time wisely.

John Hopkins Center for Communication Programs Country Representative, Simon Heliso said comprehensive training is being provided for journalists engaged in election reporting.

Some 330 journalists across the country have so far received training and this will continue in Jimma, Adama, Harar, Hawassa, and Wolaita Soddo.

He pointed out that this election is very important for the country and journalists need to play significant role in reporting the election fairly, impartially and informing the electorate about the policies of political parties.

“I think whatever I have to say regarding the election as a party engaged in this election process is to make sure that this election in the end enhances the integration of the country, unifies the people and creates a positive atmosphere in the outcome for the whole country.”

Heliso finally called on journalists and media houses to be more sensitive around various conflicts that may come during the election process.

Political parties participating in the 6th General Election have been campaigning since the beginning of this month.