Media’s role in an electioneering period
Historically, election in Nigeria can be traced back to 1954 that was when formal elections were held under the supervision of colonial government and subsequent election followed like that of the 1959 which saw the emergence of an independent government of Nigeria. It is on record that there is a very strong relationship between media […]
Historically, election in Nigeria can be traced back to 1954 that was when formal elections were held under the supervision of colonial government and subsequent election followed like that of the 1959 which saw the emergence of an independent government of Nigeria. It is on record that there is a very strong relationship between media performance and the conduct and vibrancy of electioneering activities and the general quality of democracies being practiced. In fact, it is often said that in democracies, the media have a complex relationship with sources of power and the political system. Despite hard evidence showing how the media can fast track election of nation-states, governments tend to underestimate the capacity of the media. But the truth is that, media serve as the compass for mapping paths towards quality election, governance and social change. Thus, the reflection on media’s role in an electioneering period is needed now more than ever. Why?
Nigeria has imbibed democracy but is not willing to adhere to the tenets that come with it. The Nigerian society which enjoys some press freedom has made a few strides toward bedding a democratic culture. Apparently, media’s role in an electioneering period in Nigeria is so shocking. No wonder a foreign journalist once remarked that “Nigeria is just like an unfortunate sick man. He has refused to respond to treatment but he also refused to die”.
Media are very important pillars in the democratic system. Specifically, they play critical roles in the election process by acting as major sources of information, providing essentially but costless and reliable details leading to a more balanced education and opinion formation among the voting public. As Professor Umaru Pate noted, “hardly could there be any healthy and sustainable democracy without an independent and credible media institution”. But because of the manifestation of weak Constitution, media’s role in an electioneering period is ineffective in Nigeria. The section 22 of the 1999 Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria assigns the media with the responsibility of holding the government accountable to the people. Paraphrasing the words of Pate, “this is why citizens feel threatened when the watchdog is weak or when it behaves contrary to societal and professional expectations”.
Regrettably, section 45 of the same Constitution has taken the mandate given to the media, that “nothing in this Constitution shall invalidate any law that is reasonably justifiable in a democratic society”, thereby making the power of the media insignificant. Similarly, elections into various political offices seem to attract the attention of most citizens and media organizations. Thus, in reporting elections and other related issues, the media should put into consideration that it is a commitment on their part, as such; it is a sacred trust between a professional and the general public to fairly, balance and objectively report issues and events as they unfold. Media practitioners should also bear in mind that fairness and accuracy are very important in reporting elections activities and their results. Fairness demands that the media should be impartial and professional in gathering, processing and disseminating the news. In terms of accuracy, one is advised to be cautious so as to ensure that candidates, party officials or stakeholders are quoted correctly to avoid being accused of partisanship.
Election is a special beat that media organizations will not like to avoid because election is continuous affairs in human society. Most countries today claimed to subscribe to the idea and practice of democracy and election is a strong pillar of democracy because it is an affair that affects a society as a whole. Therefore, election is bread and butter to the media. In advanced countries, media’s role in election period is a unique one. For instance, the former President of United State of America, Barack Obama used the media to gain political influence. As such, media’s role in an electioneering period can contribute meaningfully to the attainment of democracy if given the chance.
Aondover Eric Msughter, Bayero University, Kano