A guide for journalists preparing to cover South Sudan’s elections

The Media Development Society of South Sudan (AMDISS) and the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) have begun developing guidelines in preparation for South Sudan’s December elections.

The document, which has yet to be ratified, aims to provide professional, ethical and democratic election coverage. It also includes guidelines for protecting journalists before, during and after elections.

AMDISS Director Irene Ayaa, while reviewing the document in Juba on Friday, said the guidelines were developed as part of media preparations for the elections.

Under the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, South Sudan was supposed to hold its first election on December 22. However, Aya said the question of whether elections would be held should not be answered by the media.

“This exercise is just part of our preparations for the upcoming elections in December this year. Whether the elections will take place or not, as the media, we have no right to decide,” Ayya said.

“We have to be ready because if there is an election, we have to be ready,” she said.

The AMDISS director said the election guidelines were crucial to ensure professionalism in the entire process.

“We know that the election will involve different political parties. Therefore, journalists must be fair to all parties,” she said.

Ayah explained that the six-chapter document, which is nearly complete, also includes an article on independence from political parties.

She suggested that the media should distance themselves from businessmen who want to invest in elections.

“We also have clauses prohibiting journalists from accepting bribes. We are of course aware that during elections there will be candidates or parties who want more or more favourable coverage. But in principle we should not accept bribes.”

The AMDISS Director revealed that one of the challenges is the lack of financial support, especially during elections, for media houses to facilitate their journalists.

“I see many organisations now investing in training for election journalists. I believe that by the time of elections, journalists will be well-equipped with skills and knowledge. I know that training alone is not enough. The resource aspect is equally important,” she said.