26 out of 37 foreign media representatives approved to cover elections: EC
EC released a statement on Thursday, expressing concern regarding the 'false allegations' circulating in the media
Elections Commission office in the capital
Elections Commission has said that 26 out of the 37 foreign media representatives that had applied for election monitoring within the given time period was approved, adding that others rejected had applied after the deadline.
In a press release issued on Thursday, EC noted that the allegations regarding the international media coverage of the upcoming presidential elections are 'false', claiming that it is being done to 'create concern and mistrust within the public and international partners at such a crucial time for the country'.
The Commission said that applications to monitor the presidential election was opened from June 26 to August 14, adding that it had encouraged foreign media representatives to submit applications 'on multiple instances' while reminding them to 'adhere to the relevant rules and procedures in place, including immigration guidelines'.
Noting that they had received 37 applications within the given period, the Commission that 11 were rejected due to insufficient documentation and that 'any applications submitted after the deadline were rejected accordingly'.
"The Commission reaffirms its commitment to afford the opportunity to any international media personnel to take part in observing the elections as long as the necessary requirements have been met," reads the statement.
EC reiterated that it will 'follow all required legal procedures' to ensure that all 'eligible' media representatives are given the opportunity to cover September 23's polls.
It further called on all political parties 'to refrain from spreading misinformation regarding the election process which may create mistrust in the public and our international partners, and support the Commission in its commitment to hold free, fair, impartial, and transparent elections'.
