by Christopher Makaza

Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) Chairperson, Justice Priscilla Chigumba has appealed to journalists to avoid becoming part of the problem of fuelling civil unrest in the country through publishing half-truths and unsubstantiated information.

Speaking during a media training workshop in Darwendale yesterday, Justice Chigumba said misinformation, biased reportage and exclusion of some electoral stakeholder groups by the media tend to stifle democratic principles and resultantly brew discontent in society.

"It is important for journalists to fully grasp the country's electoral legal framework so that their reportage is firmly anchored on accurate provisions of the law. The media must understand all electoral processes and observe the extent to which laid down rules are adhered to," said Justice Chigumba.

She highlighted that journalists had an obligation to the people they report about, to the society to whom they report the news to and to their media houses.

"In their endeavour to satisfy the demands of these three institutions, they must desist from publishing sensational and inflammatory news," she said.

Justice Chigumba also highlighted that responsible journalists only use honest methods to obtain news, which means their work should be guided by internationally accepted professional standards.

"In order for the electorate to make an informed decision in electoral issues, the media must be well informed. This enhances its reliability and trustworthiness," said Justice Chigumba.

In Zimbabwe, during and after every election in the country, journalists particularly those from the private media houses working with some rogue Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) and some Civic Society Organisations (CSO) have been accused of reporting falsehoods and inciting the public to rise against the Government with a view to effect regime change.