CDFJ releases guide for journalists on election coverage

AMMAN — The Centre for Defending Freedom of Journalists (CDFJ) on Tuesday released the "Journalist's Guide to Covering Parliamentary Elections — Best Practices", according to a statement from the centre.

Tailored specifically for Jordan's September 20 parliamentary elections, the 50-page booklet was prepared by journalists Noor Eddine Khamayseh and Abdul Karim Wahsh.

The pocket-sized manual goes over the upcoming elections' legal and political frameworks. It also reviews the Independent Election Commission's level of compliance with international regulations and standards, the statement said.

CDFJ President Nidal Mansour said that the guide offers advice to journalists on how to cover the electoral process in all its aspects.

It also focuses on matters of tone, language and objectivity in reporting, especially when dealing with issues concerning minorities, according to the statement. 

Procedural steps are suggested for election coverage, including tips on how best to analyse opinion polls and candidate debates, and how to report on the balloting and counting of votes and the announcement of results.

The handbook uses case studies where possible to demonstrate issues a reporter might face.

The guide is the outcome of two sessions for media experts organised by the CDFJ on election coverage, as well as two CDFJ workshops where some 40 journalists received training, the statement said.

The expert sessions, the training workshops and the publication of the reporter's manual were all part of a USAID-funded civil society project implemented by the FHI360, an international non-profit human development organisation, according to the statement.

CDFJ started distributing the manual to journalists at their workplaces and "in all governorates". It will also be made available online for free on the CDFJ's website, according to the statement.