Media Advocacy Coalition responds to the statement of Tbilisi mayoral candidate Kakhi Kaladze, who announced that the ruling party’s candidate for Mayor of Tbilisi intends to participate only in the TV debates scheduled by the Georgian Public Broadcaster. It’s important to note that some regional television stations have already been denied participation in political debates by the candidates of the ruling party.
We remind politicians that participation in debates is an integral part of democratic elections and an important tool for ensuring voter awareness. Refusing to use this tool is contrary to the principles of democracy and hinders the right of citizens to make an informed choice.
We call on the representatives of the ruling party to participate in the various debate formats offered by the media, to respect the right of voters to know the views of the mayoral candidates and to allow the media to fulfill their professional duties.
To fulfill its multifaceted commitment to the right to vote, the Media Advocacy Coalition offers political parties and electoral entities participating in the local elections to sign a memorandum, the signing of which includes the responsibility to conduct electoral processes in a peaceful – non-violent and non-discriminatory – environment.
Text of the memorandum
We, the undersigned, respect the right of the public to be informed about various events and points of view. We recognize the need for voter awareness and the responsibility arising from these obligations, which implies the need to hold and participate in pre-election political debates.
We recognize that the realization of the right to vote depends on the correct and accurate, impartial and fair coverage of election-related issues.
We declare the boycott regime with the media unacceptable.
We recognize the special importance of the format of pre-election political debates and agree to fulfill the obligation to participate in political debates. We consider women’s participation and involvement in political processes, including the representation of female candidates in debates, to be important.
We condemn the verbal and physical attacks on media representatives.
We call on political party representatives, election subjects, political activists, and supporters to respect the professional obligation of the media to receive and disseminate information.
We are in agreement that within the frames of the multilateral commitment to the right to vote, to ensure the standard of impartial and fair reporting, the parties will use an effective mechanism of self-regulation of broadcasters and/or apply to the Georgian Charter of Journalistic Ethics.
* Note: Complaints/statements on election issues are considered promptly – within 7 working days
Institute for Development of Freedom of Information – IDFI
Liberal Academy Tbilisi
Media Club
Media Development Foundation
Media Rights
Alliance of Regional Broadcasters
TV Net
International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy – ISFED
Georgian Democratic Initiative
Georgian Regional Media Association – GRMA
Small and Medium Telecom Operators Association of Georgia
The Georgian Charter of Journalistic Ethics
