The Inter-Agency Task Force for Free and Fair Elections considers that disruptive actions by some media outlets in reporting on campaign events—as well as reactions against these media outlets by journalists with differing views—pose a risk to a calm pre-election environment. Such actions have the potential to provoke violence. They hinder the smooth conduct of political party campaigns and the normal activities of the media.

The journalist with different editorial policies certainly have a right to ask tough questions to  political candidates; but this process must be differentiated from attempts to disrupt meetings during the election campaign. The IATF considers such actions to be problematic.

At the same time, while journalists have the right to ask questions of their media colleagues and even to criticize their affiliation with various political forces or views, this must not take form of sabotaging a journalist’s work.

The IATF is not authorized to regulate the activities of media outlets. However, for the sake of a pluralistic, free, fair, and peaceful electoral environment, the IATF calls on all journalists and media outlets to refrain from disruptive practices.