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Responsibilities of the Media, Civil Society and Political Parties

Responsible and objective reporting of events is important for the democratic process.  While many journalists and representatives of civil society report and comment objectively on political developments, some have secretly taken money to publish articles reflecting a given point of view.²³  Such behavior undermines the principle of media independence and is contrary to journalistic ethics.²⁴

The Haute Autorité des Médias, the Congolese government agency tasked with enforcing responsible journalistic behavior, recently denounced a “dangerously polluted political environment” and accused presidential candidates of using the media to demonize their opponents. It suspended political programs broadcast by three television channels.²⁵ The Electoral Commission has drawn up a code of conduct outlining rights and duties of political parties. Signatories agree to work together in a “climate of tolerance.”²⁶ So far, 217 political parties have signed this important document, though its effectiveness is weakened by the notable absence of a signature from the president’s political party, the Party of the People for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD).