NEC issues Extraordinary Gazette on media guidelines for the General Election

COLOMBO (News 1st): The National Election Commission on Wednesday (June 3), issued an extraordinary gazette, containing 36 media guidelines for the upcoming General Election. The gazette states that every media institution shall provide accurate, balanced and impartial information when broadcasting, televising or publishing its news bulletins and any other programme related to political affairs. The gazette goes on to note, that no media outlet shall act in a manner which discriminates against any contesting political party, independent group or candidate in its dissemination of information to the public. Moreover, media stations are expected not to confer special benefits to any party, group or candidate, in allocating airtime on radio or television and allotting space in the newspapers. According to the Extraordinary gazette, the National Election Commission will appoint a Permanent Representative Committee to monitor and ensure that media stations adhere to the guidelines issued by the Commission. Further, the committee will make observations and recommendations on compliance with the guidelines. The full gazette can be accessed here.