The National Independent Authority for Audiovisual Regulation (ARAV) on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, urged all public and private audiovisual media outlets to strictly follow legal, professional, and ethical guidelines for electoral process coverage. This full directive comes ahead of the legislative elections scheduled for July 2, 2026, aiming to ensure a fair and transparent media environment during the key electoral period. The Authority's guidance shows its commitment to upholding the integrity of the democratic process through responsible media practices.
Key Rules for Media
The directives issued by the National Independent Authority for Audiovisual Regulation (ARAV) align with the provisions of the Constitution, Law No. 23-20 concerning audiovisual activity, and Executive Decree No. 24-250, which defines the general conditions for this activity. These foundational legal texts provide the framework for ARAV's regulatory oversight. ARAV's statement specifically emphasized the necessity of upholding neutrality, objectivity, and independence in handling news and political programs pertinent to the upcoming electoral process. This emphasis is critical to fostering public trust and ensuring unbiased reporting. The Authority stressed the importance of respecting these principles throughout all stages of the election coverage, from initial reporting to post-election analysis.
Media outlets are explicitly required to ensure fair and equitable access for all candidate lists, political parties, and independent candidates. This provision aims to prevent any single entity from dominating media airtime or disproportionately influencing public opinion. The Authority strictly prohibits content that unlawfully influences voters, distorts candidate images, or infringes upon private lives. These prohibitions are designed to protect the rights of candidates and the integrity of the voting process. The regulator also expressly forbids the broadcasting of hate speech, discrimination, incitement to violence, regionalism, or any content that undermines national unity. These measures are in place to maintain social cohesion and prevent media platforms from being used to sow discord.
A key rule mandates actively combating misinformation and fake news related to the electoral process. Media organizations are expected to employ rigorous fact-checking procedures to ensure the accuracy of all broadcast information. Additionally, a clear separation between journalistic material and advertising content is required, ensuring that commercial interests do not unduly influence electoral reporting. Electoral propaganda outside legal frameworks is strictly prohibited, reinforcing the regulated nature of political advertising. The guidelines also stress the importance of maintaining the independence of editorial bodies and preventing the use of media for political, ideological, or financial interests. This ensures that editorial decisions are based solely on journalistic merit and public interest, rather than external pressures.
Prohibited Election Content
Audiovisual media outlets are mandated to adhere to election silence regulations, a critical component of ensuring a period of reflection for voters before casting their ballots. The National Independent Authority for Audiovisual Regulation (ARAV) prohibits direct or indirect propaganda for candidates during the legally designated period. This includes any material intended to promote or discredit candidates outside the established campaign window, ensuring that the final days before the election are free from campaigning. This rule is designed to give the electorate space to consider their choices without last-minute media influence.
The publication or broadcasting of opinion polls and voting intentions is forbidden if it occurs outside the legal deadlines set for such disclosures. This regulation prevents the premature release of data that could potentially sway undecided voters or create a false sense of certainty about election outcomes. Media entities are also prohibited from announcing partial results or indicators of election outcomes before the closure of the last polling station. This is a key measure to prevent misinformation and ensure that official results are the sole source of election outcomes. For official reporting of participation rates and election results, media outlets must exclusively cite official sources, reinforcing the reliability and credibility of the information provided to the public. This ensures that all reported figures come from validated, authoritative bodies.
Enforcement and Accessibility
Media outlets must accurately verify all information before broadcasting, according to the National Independent Authority for Audiovisual Regulation (ARAV). This requirement places a significant responsibility on media organizations to ensure the factual accuracy of their reporting, particularly concerning election-related news. The regulator also stipulates that election-related media coverage must include translation in sign language or subtitles. This provision aims to ensure accessibility for people with special needs, particularly the deaf and hard of hearing, allowing them to fully engage with the electoral discourse. This inclusive approach reflects a commitment to broad public participation in the democratic process. ARAV stated it will actively monitor media compliance with these new guidelines. The authority indicated it will implement necessary legal and regulatory measures in response to any violations that compromise the integrity of media coverage during the electoral period. These measures show ARAV's commitment to enforcing its directives and maintaining a level playing field for all participants in the legislative elections.
