29 10 11 – JED announces media monitoring programme as presidential election campaign officially launched

In 2006, violent clashes between supporters of the two main
presidential candidates were attributed – in some cases justifiably – to
media outlets who inflamed tensions with their incendiary comments and
incitement to hatred and violence. As a result, many journalists and
media outlets also became victims of violence.

Though the election campaign officially began only on 28 October,
media outlets and journalists have already been victims of acts of
political intolerance that include threats, assaults, destruction or
seizure of their equipment, and even bombings. The attacks have created a
climate of fear and insecurity among media professionals.

As a response to this fear, and to the glaring political
indifference to the plight of journalists, JED will monitor media
coverage in an attempt to avert an escalation in tensions and to ensure
the safety of journalists and media workers.

JED has assembled a team of observers who will focus their attention
on political discourse analysis, fairness in media access to the 11
presidential candidates, fairness in media outlets' coverage of
candidates' platforms and general adherence to rules of professional
conduct and journalistic ethics, among other issues.

Several print and broadcast media outlets will be monitored by JED
over the 30-day election campaign; the results will be published in the
form of weekly press releases