Skopje, 12 October 2023 (MIA) - The goal of the Code of Conduct in the Online Sphere during Electoral Processes and Referenda is to ensure the integrity of information posted in online spaces and to stop the spread of disinformation, hate speech and discrimination on any basis, by establishing basic standards of ethical and professional behavior of entities that directly participate in the electoral process.

The Code of Conduct that was promoted on Thursday is available on at www.izborenkodeksonline.mk and was developed at the initiative of the Agency for Audio and Audiovisual Media Services, supported by OSCE/ODIHR and relevant institutions.

Compliance with the Code of Conduct is voluntary and not a substitute for existing regulations, and will be monitored by a coordinating body formed exclusively for that purpose by representatives from the Association of Journalists of Macedonia, Macedonian Institute for Media, and the Council of Media Ethics, Institute of Communication Studies and Metamorphosis Foundation.

Agency director Zoran Trajchevski said that digital trends have brought new challenges, but while the Electoral Code covers electronic media and web portals, media legislation on the other hand does not yet recognize this type of media, that is, horizontal harmonization of the electoral and media legislation.

"The spread of digitalization in society has led to new opportunities for searching, receiving, and spreading information and ideas, which is an essential part of elections, but what is more troubling is the abuse of digital technologies and fragmentation of the communication environment. The digital environment has made way for new trends and numerous challenges - new tactics for political advertising, conducting campaigns and financing, as well as distribution of incomplete, incorrect or harmful information," Trajchevski said.

Minister of Information Society and Administration Azir Aliu noted that he expects the Code of Conduct to create an environment of higher moral, ethical and professional norms.

"Media freedom determines the level of democracy in a country. Online media and online spaces in general, especially in our country, are facing a challenge for their position as professional subjects, as resources in different parts of the law," Aliu said.

Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje, Ambassador Kilian Wahl, emphasized that media shapes the narrative and serves as a forum where individuals and political parties can communicate and exchange messages and programs, especially during elections.

"Media, on the other hand, have a responsibility to ensure that false narratives are not being promoted, that facts are checked and confirmed. Unrealistic promises are immediately detected and challenged, and that topics are critically debated. This requires a higher quality investigative journalism and journalistic independence. Journalists must be free to report and comment on issues of public interest, without being limited or fear punishment. They must work independently and safely while covering elections," Wahl stressed.

In return, he added, journalists must adhere to the highest professional and ethical standards and self-regulate. ssh/ik/

Photo: MIA