The Sunday News
Dumisani Nsingo, Senior Reporter
THE president of the newly-formed opposition political party, Zimbabwe Rainbow Democratic Party (ZRDP) Mr Cuthbert Ncube has hailed the state media for giving all political parties equal coverage.
Mr Ncube said the new political dispensation led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa should be commended for its role in conforming and adhering to the country’s constitution with regards to the freedom of expression and freedom of the media.
“There has been positive transformation in terms of the media coverage of political parties. There are things we have to appreciate, which the new political dispensation has brought with it and one of them is ensuring that there is no media polarization as was the case before,” he said.
Mr Ncube said the coverage of all political parties ahead of the 30 July harmonised elections would enable electorates to vote after making well informed decisions.
“The fact that opposition political parties are being accorded an opportunity or space on the mainstream media increases their exposure and if we are exposed this will link us with the people as we endeavour to liberate the country economically,” he said.
Mr Ncube further hinted that media coverage plays a big role on the country’s perception.
“Zimbabwe as a nation has been a victim of negative perceptions or stereotype internationally. The negative perception of Zimbabwe as a destination and wide negative media attention of the country has over the years negatively impacted on the country’s economy. This goes to show the effects of media,” he said.
Zimpapers’ editor-in-chief Caesar Zvayi was quoted in our sister publication, The Herald as having said all of the stable’s publications were fully aware of its constitutional obligations and would continue to give all political parties equal coverage during and after the 30 July harmonised elections.
@DNsingo
