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MEDIA MONITORING IN BELARUS: “BELARUSIAN MEDIA COVERAGE OF THE 2007 LOCAL ELECTIONS”

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

Introduction

Summary of findings

Main findings

Media effects

Post elections' coverage

Conclusions

Appendix 2

Appendix 3

Appendix 4

The monitored media both at the national and regional levels failed to present the local elections as an important political event.

The coverage of the Central Election Commission (CEC) was often the only elections-related coverage in most of the monitored media outlets. The work of the election administration was portrayed in an exclusive positive or neutral manner by the State-owned media.

The nature of election process, whereby the media largely refrained in most respects from conventional campaign discourse, including non-coverage of the candidate's campaigns and failure to organize televised debates amongst the candidates, significantly narrowed the voters' possibilities to assess the candidates. This contributed to the overall atmosphere, whereby the essential elements of democratic elections, such a vibrant political discourse and meaningful pluralism, were completely lacking.

Of the monitored political subjects, the incumbent President and local authorities dominated the media coverage. The State-owned media portrayed the ruling powers in an overwhelmingly positive or neutral manner, whereas their coverage by the non-State media was largely neutral or negative.

While the State-owned media invariably ignored opposition politicians, their coverage by the non-State media was also limited.

The limited format of direct access programs did not allow candidates to address large audiences , thus further preventing them from properly introducing their election and political platforms.

While the non-State regional newspapers provided a wider and more balanced picture of the election process, they could not substitute for the general lack of impartial and objective coverage of the elections-related topics by the State-owned media.

The monitored media did not offer a forum for the exchange of opinions, public debate, confrontation, investigation and commentary that would offer the public informed, analysed and assessed views of persons and groups seeking elected office in the elections.

As such, the media in general and the State-owned ones in particular, failed to fulfill its obligation to adequately inform voters to enable them to make a well-informed choice at the ballot box.

Notwithstanding their poor performance, the State-owned media did not hesitate to declare the local polls to be fair and democratic.

Introduction

Summary of findings

Main findings

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