Media can use polling station accreditation to cover constituency, regional collation centres — EC

The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced that media personnel accredited to cover polling stations during the 2024 elections can use the same accreditation to access constituency and regional collation centres.

This update, issued in a press release on December 2, seeks to allow media access and promote transparency in the electoral process.

“The EC is desirous to maintain the highest level of transparency and accountability in its operations. The revised media accreditation aims to provide media personnel with greater flexibility and access to key election centres,” stated Benjamin Bano-Bioh, Director for Electoral Services.

The EC noted that this change is in response to consultations with media professionals and reflects its commitment to ensuring effective election coverage.

According to the statement, “This commitment is to ensure that the media can effectively cover the electoral process, and this change reflects that commitment.”

However, arrangements for access to the National Collation Centre will be communicated later.

A memo from the Deputy Chairman of Operations on November 25, outlined guidelines for media house accreditation—a move that was met with public backlash.

It specified that eight media houses would be accredited per constituency collation centre, while regional centres would admit 12 media houses, comprising six television stations and seven radio stations.