The United Democratic Party has said in strongest words that the party will not submit any new content merely to fill airtime on Gambia Radio Television Services due to the state broadcast restriction of political speech
A statement signed Dr. Amadou Scattred Janneh, chairman media and communication committee stated that the party would rather continue to use other media than to forfeit its right to use the public broadcaster without undue hindrance.
“The United Democratic Party looked forward, with great anticipation, to finally and effectively use the very little airtime provided to it on the Public broadcaster, GRTS.
This is in accordance with the Independent Electoral Commission’s Media Rules and other regulations governing the use of public media during the electoral cycle,” the statement said.
The statement added: “The United Democratic Party, as a responsible and law abiding organisation, has always subscribed to principles of fair play and all the precepts of democratic practice. It is our contention, therefore, that political expression protected by the Constitution of The Gambia and reflected in various legal documents, must be upheld especially during the political campaign period.”
The biggest opposition party noted in this context, it is perplexing to say the least, that the Independent Electoral Commission would interpret media laws relating to use of GRTS to include stifling of a candidate’s right to review and criticize the incumbent’s policies, programmes and conduct.
The statement stressed that this is both impractical and inconceivable in a democratic environment.
“We believe such a limitation is not in line with the letter and spirit of the law and relevant regulations. The IEC’s denial of the UDP’s right to political expression through the public broadcaster is unacceptable,” the statement pointed out.