DILI, 15 february 2022 (TATOLI) – The Secretary of State for Social Communication (SECOMS), Merício Juvinal dos Reis ‘Akara’, appealed to all journalists to comply with the deontological code of journalism during the coverage of the presidential election campaign.
“The 17 candidates have already formalized their candidacies at STAE and sent all the documentation to the Court of Appeal in order to carry out an inspection as to their legality”, says the government press release that Tatoli had access to today.
Akara also made an appeal to media professionals to fulfill their duties, highlighting article 4, which refers to respect for human dignity, honor and consideration of people and their rights, in addition to not inciting discriminatory acts on race, religion, sex, sexual preferences, illnesses, political beliefs and social status;
“I therefore ask journalists to maintain the principle of journalism ethics in order to guarantee impartiality and neutrality in the coverage and dissemination of news during the electoral campaign”, he added.
The official also referred to article 20 of the Social Communication Law, which states that journalists must assume the profession with complete independence and exemption, disseminating information based on concrete data, thus avoiding misinformation.
Akara highlighted, on the other hand, the need for journalists to fulfill their role as a media professional, a factor that he considers crucial for the process of national development democracy with a view to cementing the country’s unity, peace, stability and sustainability.
“We need journalism that promotes peace”, he concluded.
In the same vein, the Timor-Leste Press Council asked all journalists to impart in an impartial way the news related to the electoral campaign for the election of the President of the Republic.
“The media must disseminate information with quality and balance, without taking the risk”, said the President of the Timor-Leste Press Council, Virgílio Guterres.
Journalist: Isaura Lemos de Deus
Editor: Maria Auxiliadora/Rafy Belo
Translator: Camilio de Sousa
