The chaotic preparations for the August 23 harmonised elections by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) has once again thrust into the spotlight after journalists questioned its adherence to procedures over media monitoring.
The Young Journalists Association (Yoja) on Friday wrote to Zec demanding answers on the establishment of the media monitoring committee (MMC) for this year's elections as required by law.
Section 160K (1) of the Electoral Act compels Zec to monitor coverage of the elections by the local media.
The MMC has traditionally been chaired by Zec.
In the letter addressed to Zec chairperson Priscilla Chigumba, Yoja, through its lawyers Atherstone & Cook, demanded to know when the commission would set up the MMC.
“It is not clear how far Zec has gone in putting that committee in place for the 2023 general elections,” Atherstone and Cook said.
“Would you please let us know by return of mail whether or not the MMC has been constituted of this year's election.
“If so, who are the members and which organisations do they represent?
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“May we have a copy of the committee's itinerary or schedule of activities and plans relating to the commission's interventions for the advancement of media freedom, as well as facilitation of media participation towards the conduct of a free and fair election.”
Yoja also expressed concern that several young journalists, especially those based outside major cities, were yet to be accredited to cover the August 23 elections.
According to Yoja, the journalists “complain that Zec is yet to reach their localities for accreditation purposes.
“Please share with us the commission's accreditation plan for local as well as international journalists.”
