Election 2024: NMC Urges Journalists to Let EC Declare Results Officially
Media Must Focus on Responsible Reporting and Fact-Checking to Avoid Political Tension
- Only the EC Chairperson has the constitutional authority to declare presidential election results
- Journalists should avoid publishing unofficial results that could fuel political tensions
- The media must play a responsible role in verifying information
The Chairperson of the National Media Commission (NMC), Yaw Boadu Ayeboafo, has urged journalists to refrain from declaring presidential election results, emphasizing that this responsibility lies solely with the Electoral Commission (EC).
Speaking at a Media Forum organized by the Ashanti Regional Media Advisory Committee in Kumasi on November 5, Ayeboafo reminded the press that while they can report unofficial results from individual polling stations, only the EC’s Chairperson has the constitutional authority to announce the official outcome of the presidential race.
He cautioned the media against publishing premature or unverified results, noting the potential for heightened political tension, as seen in the 2020 elections when claims of victory sparked conflict.
“The media has a key role in de-escalating tensions by being responsible in their reporting, using careful language, and promoting accurate information,” Ayeboafo stated.
The forum, focused on combating misinformation, fake news, and hate speech ahead of the December elections, also called on journalists to prioritize fact-checking before sharing information with the public.
