Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The Southern African Center for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) has observed that the 2015 presidential election has the potential to polarize the country’s media landscape.
SACCORD Executive Director Boniface Cheembe says this will be possible if the media continues on the path of biasness and siding with particular political parties during the election period.
Mr. Cheembe states that when this happens, it is the people of Zambia who will however be disadvantaged by being denied information upon which to make informed choices on polling day.
He has told Qfm News that SACCORD is therefore encouraging the media in the country to sustain fair and balanced coverage of all the political parties taking part in the election.
Mr. Cheembe states that at a time the country is having an election, there is need for a vibrant media landscape that communicates the right information to the public.
He says the media must also adhere to the Electoral Code of Conduct to latter.
Meanwhile the SACCORD Executive Director has also commended the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) for the transparency exhibited in the procurement of Ballot papers for the forthcoming presidential election.
Mr Cheembe says SACCORD has particularly taken note that ECZ has invited the media to witness the printing process of the ballot papers.
Mr. Cheembe notes that this kind of transparency will go a long way in helping the commission command stakeholders and public confidence in its work.