THE media in Fiji made good efforts to cover the election, and political parties were, to varying degrees, able to communicate their messages to the public, revealed the Multinational Observer Group in its final report on Fiji’s September 2014 polls.
The report, however, noted the restrictive and vague media framework, including potentially harsh penalties, limited the media’s ability to rigorously examine the claims of candidates and parties.
“The MOG believes that engagement through the media is essential, in order to encourage public ownership of the electoral process,” the report said.
According to the report, the Government in February amended the Political Parties Decree and prohibited the media from referring to prospective parties as “political parties” until they were registered.
“This included established parties that were seeking re-registration and news organisations faced fines of up to $F50,000 or a five-year jail term for violation,” the report said.
“There were complaints of media restrictions from some parties, highlighting the threat of penalties under the Media Industry Development Decree 2010.
“Nevertheless, the press began to report more widely on the political process, including some criticism of the Government.”
The group recommended the Fijian Elections Office that the media accreditation process should be simplified and all media outlets, including international media, should have sufficient advance notice of deadlines and timelines.
“The Media Industry Development Authority should issue clear, timely and practical reporting guidance.
“Penalties for breaching election-related reporting rules should be reviewed. Should the Media Industry Development Authority continue its role in future elections, there is a need for an independent institution to adjudicate complaints about its actions, consistent with Fiji’s legal and constitutional framework.”
Elections Supervisor Mohammed Saneem welcomed the MOG’s report saying they would review recommendations as it started preparation for the 2018 general election.
“The report not only provides feedback on the conduct of the election, but it also makes detailed recommendations for future improvement,” Mr Saneem said in a statement on Wednesday.
