Cran bans political broadcasting on special voting and election days

The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) has directed broadcasters to halt all political party messages on Monday and Wednesday, citing the national broadcasting code.

Monday is dedicated to special voting for the police and polling officials deployed outside their constituencies.

The directive was issued on Saturday by Cran spokesperson Mufaro Nesongano.

“In terms of rule 24 of the code, broadcasting service licensees are further reminded that as of Monday and on polling day, no party election broadcasts, political advertisements, or campaign material may be aired,” he said.

Nesongano said broadcasters may only cover voting progress, schedules, and polling station information, while election results may only be broadcast once polls have closed and the Electoral Commission of Namibia has released official results.

He said Cran is empowered under Section 89(2) of the Communications Act of 2009 to set special obligations for broadcasters during election periods to promote democracy and ensure fair conduct through the broadcasting code.

The code was published on 31 October 2018 and remains in force.

“This is not a new directive, but a reiteration of existing obligations under the code, which has been in force since 2018,” he said.

He also reminded broadcasters that exemption provisions and application procedures are clearly outlined in the code.

Nesongano urged all broadcasting licensees to comply with the prescribed restrictions to uphold fairness, transparency and integrity during the election period.

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