BY NCHIMUNYA MIYOBA
The Zambia Institute of Independent Media Alliance (ZIIMA) has commended the media in the country for its exceptional quality way of publishing information to the public in the Thursday’s general elections.
ZIIMA Vice President Jubiel Zulu in a statement made available to the Independent Observer said the organization is aware that journalists are spending sleepless nights to ensure that there is credible and responsible reporting of the 12th August 2021 General Election.
Ms Zulu stated that society has proved that traditional media can never be traded for any other emerging new media but rather be used as a tool to reach the generation usually fond of technology.
Ms Zulu emphasized that the work of media personnel has been made difficult due to the interruption of internet in the country giving way to misinformation on social media.
“The shutting down of the internet by government is a dictatorial act that should never be repeated in future elections.
This is Zambia whose democratic credentials have been appreciated all over the world. We cannot therefore reduce ourselves to some authoritarian nations in the region,” she stated.
Ms Zulu has advised the incoming government to remove the thuggery acts on the media as this has made the media to work in fear.
She noted that ZIIMA is keenly following the proceedings and is hopeful that the winner of these elections will put in place modalities that will provide a safe and friendly working environment for the media in the country.
Ms Zulu has since urged the public to remain calm and wait upon authorities working hand in hand with the media to disseminate verified information.
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