By Leonnel Mhuka
The Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) raises valid concerns about the unconstitutional and biased coverage in favor of ZANU PF by Zimbabwe’s state media, particularly ZBC. It is disheartening to see how the media, which should be impartial and fair, has become a political arm for ZANU PF, denying CCC and its Presidential Candidate, Adv Nelson Chamisa, the opportunity to present their views and campaign activities.
The Constitution, as well as the Electoral Law, clearly state that state media must provide equal and balanced coverage to all political parties. Unfortunately, ZBC has failed to comply with these legal obligations, leading to over 90% of the airtime being allocated to Mr. Mnangagwa and ZANU PF. This one-sided and biased reporting undermines the principles of democracy and transparency in Zimbabwe’s electoral process.
The CCC rightfully demands fair treatment and challenges ZBC to provide a platform for Adv Nelson Chamisa to present his message to the nation without restrictions, just as they do for Mr. Mnangagwa and ZANU PF. The government’s refusal to follow the recommendations of the 2018 SADC and African Union election observer missions is concerning and shows a lack of commitment to upholding democratic standards.
It is crucial for state media to act independently and impartially, providing equal opportunities to all parties involved in the political process. Fair, unbiased media coverage is not only a necessity but also a constitutional requirement to ensure a truly democratic and inclusive society in Zimbabwe.
See statement below
25 July 2023
ZBC, STATE MEDIA REPORTING UNCONSTITUTIONAL & BIASED IN FAVOUR OF ZANU PF
The Citizens’ Coalition for Change notes false claims by the Deputy Information Minister. Kindness Paradza, that the opposition is “refusing to take up airtime on ZBC. ”It is a matter of public record that ZBC refuses to give any independent or fair coverage to the CCC, our Presidential Candidate, Adv Nelson Chamisa, our star rallies, our cluster rallies, our rural penetration drive,our campaign messages or any of our wide-ranging political activities. Not only is the state media’s coverage unequal, but whatever token coverage is accorded to the opposition is biased, derogatory and manipulated in contravention of the Constitution and Electoral Law.
Section 61 of the Constitution obliges state media to be impartial and to afford a fair opportunity for the presentation of divergent views and dissenting opinions. Additionally, the Electoral Law including sections 160G and 160J of the Electoral Act require state media to be fair and grant balanced allocation of time and prominence between Zanu PF and the CCC. The CCC is legally entitled equitable treatment including a reasonable opportunity to present our case. It is a matter of public record that, the state media in general and ZBC in particular, have failed to comply with the law.
Instead of acting independently and in a fair manner, Zimbabwe’s State media has degenerated into a political reporting arm for Zanu PF as demonstrated by the skewed news and current affairs coverage that is heavily biased in favour of Mr. Mnangagwa and Zanu PF in terms of content, support and time allocation (over 90%).This unconstitutional conduct cascades as far as the Permanent Secretary for Information who has a constitutional obligation to act in a non-partisan manner as a civil servant. Instead, he has demonstrated clear support of Zanu PF in the exercise of his functions. His conduct in this regard offends section 200 of the Constitution and further undermines the ability of state media to act in a non-partisan manner as is required by law.
For the avoidance of doubt, the CCC is available to participate on all fairly-moderated platforms that accord with the Constitutional standard. We further challenge the ZBC to afford our Presidential Candidate, Adv Nelson Chamisa, the opportunity, on a live and unfettered platform, to present his message of hope to the nation, in the same way in which it provides live, wall-to-wall coverage of Mr Mnangagwa, Zanu PF activities and Zanu PF rallies. State media coverage must never be biased, manipulated or unjustifiably skewed to present the Citizens’ Movement in a bad light.
We draw the attention of state media, stakeholders, the public and election observers to the Government’s refusal to follow the recommendations of the 2018 SADC and the African Union election observer missions.The reports found that the coverage by ZBC of the elections was “infavour of one political party, contrary to the relevant provisions of the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and the Revised SADC Principles andGuidelines Governing Democratic Elections, which requires State-owned media to be impartial.”
Regrettably,our state media and ZBC have failed to reform.
Fair, unbiased media coverage is not optional. It is a constitutional imperative.
Fadzayi Mahere
National Spokesperson
