The Superior Council of Audiovisual and Communication (CSAC) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to warn the media and political actors about respecting electoral rules. As the December 2023 elections approach, the CSAC recently declared that the electoral campaign should not begin before the legal period determined for this purpose. Unfortunately, certain media and social networks do not seem to take this warning into account and are already broadcasting messages of a promotional nature for certain candidates.
This situation is worrying because it risks distorting the electoral process by giving an unfair advantage to certain candidates. The CSAC therefore insists on the need for the media to refrain from broadcasting any promotional message linked to the electoral campaign before the official start of it. Sanctions are provided for in the event of non-compliance with this rule.
It is crucial to remind media professionals and political actors of the importance of respecting electoral law in order to guarantee free and fair elections. Transparency and impartiality are essential to preserve democracy in the DRC.
It is also essential for the CSAC to continue to exercise its mission of regulation and control of the media in order to avoid any manipulation of public opinion. As social networks play an increasingly crucial role in the dissemination of information, it is essential to ensure that they do not become an instrument of political propaganda.
In conclusion, the CSAC in the DRC warns the media and political actors against any violation of electoral rules, particularly with regard to the broadcast of promotional messages before the official start of the electoral campaign. Compliance with these rules is essential to guarantee free and fair elections, and to preserve democracy in the country. The role of the CSAC in media regulation is crucial to avoid any manipulation of public opinion and ensure impartial information.