Are We Building A Democratic Society?

Media political debates ought to be inclusive and objective. Tight schedules and internal politics within media houses cannot be an excuse for informing some aspirants and not others. Authoritative and comprehensive coverage requires that all aspirants should be notified in the earliest possible time so as not to make it so obvious that media houses have a biased agenda. This is what engenders inclusive conversation within a political process. We always hear of society asking political leaders to focus on the issues as a political platform. It is time the same is demanded of the media!

The presidential debate on 11^th February set a precedent that media houses seem to have ignored. In the run up to this debate we saw the high court halt the debate until Paul Muite and Mwalimu Dida were included.   The participation of these two candidates added value to the debate. The two displayed diligent leadership. 

Over the past two days KTN has staged biased county conversations within Mombasa County among senator and gubernatorial candidates. It is evident from the organization of the conversations that personal interests seem to have prevailed over authoritative and comprehensive coverage. That notwithstanding, those keen on an effective transition, are attending a Transitional Authority Gubernatorial induction in Naivasha, a fact well known by the media. This is diligent governance!

Can we consider this behavior as authoritative coverage when the media are more concerned with rolling out a schedule than reflecting comprehensive and inclusive opinion of leadership? We would like to remind media houses that they too are responsible and accountable in contributing to peaceful elections and outcomes.

As political leaders we are playing our role towards peaceful elections and outcomes. We demand the same from media houses! 

Does anybody know whether media houses signed IEBC electoral code of conducts?