CSOs Call for Objective Reporting Ahead of Malawi’s General Elections

By Albert Chatuluka Banda

The Young Human Rights Defenders Network (YHRDN), a consortium of 21 civil society organisations, has urged media practitioners in Malawi to adopt objective reporting to avoid spreading hatred and mistrust towards public officers.

This call comes as the country prepares for next year’s general elections, with some media practitioners resorting to biased reporting allegedly fuelled by political entities.

Mervin Nxumayo, chairperson of the YHRDN consortium, has condemned this trend, describing it as “deplorable and unfortunate.”

His sentiments follow a media report alleging that the Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Colleen Zamba, is at the centre of a national corruption scandal, a fabrication aimed at tarnishing Zamba’s image.

Nxumayo lamented, “It is very unfortunate that some of our reputable journalists can sink so low, being used by some unpatriotic individuals who are busy sowing seeds of disunity and promoting hatred.”

Zamba could not comment on the matter, she could not pick calls since the president had an official engagement with officials in the power sector.

The Media Council of Malawi (MCM) has consistently reminded journalists of the importance of ethical and professional conduct. In a recent advisory, the council emphasized that journalists play a crucial role in shaping public opinion and holding those in power accountable.

“To maintain public trust, journalists are expected to adhere to a strict code of ethics, which includes principles such as accuracy, fairness, and transparency,” reads a statement on the MCM Facebook page. “By upholding these principles, journalists can ensure that their reporting is credible, trustworthy, and respectful of all individuals and communities involved.”