EFJ supports AJM regarding the changes in the Electoral Code

The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) expresses strong support for the position of the Association of Journalists of Macedonia and other media organizations – the Independent Union of Journalists and Media Workers (SSNM) and the Council of Media Ethics of Macedonia (CMEM), who opposed the latest amendments to the Electoral Code.

According to EFJ, the criticism coming from journalistic associations regarding the changes in the law is absolutely justified. The changes allow the authorities to intervene in media freedom and independence of editorial policy during election campaigns.

“These harmful changes to the Electoral Code do not contribute to the situation when we have blocked media reforms and will undoubtedly influence negatively on the work of the media and the overall democratic environment during the election campaigns,” was stated in the announcement.

The European Federation of Journalists also reacts about one of the changes, according to which the State Election Commission is authorized to register and monitor the reporting of online media during the elections. In addition, there will be fines of up to 4,000 euros for unbalanced or impartial reporting in the media.