During his intervention on Radio Sénégal Internationale, journalist Ibrahima Bakhoum criticized the media coverage of the legislative elections. According to him, marked inequalities are present, particularly in the private media, contravening the electoral code.
Bakhoum deplores the unfair treatment of candidates, some benefiting from excessive visibility, others being ignored. “Such disparity is unacceptable in a democracy,” he said.
Public channels like RTS respected legal fairness with three minutes of air time per candidate. However, he believes that this did not interest the public or make it possible to judge the relevance of the proposals.
The journalist warns of the possibility for certain candidates to buy airtime from private companies, a prohibited practice. This highlights a lack of regulation.
He also challenged the CNRA on a site exclusively favoring Ousmane Sonko. “It is alarming and requires a legislative review,” argued Bakhoum.
Regarding verbal violence, Bakhoum is worried about future tensions in the National Assembly. “The lack of background of certain candidates could harm the debates,” he warned.
It calls for reforming the legislative framework for fair media treatment and strengthening the regulatory capacities of the CNRA.
Senegal
