The Electoral Commission (EC) has withdrawn its earlier decision to restrict media access to collation centres during the 2024 general elections.
This decision initially announced to address concerns of overcrowding and enhance security at constituency and regional collation centres, faced a widespread backlash from media organisations and civil society groups who argued it would hinder transparency.
In a statement issued on Monday, December 2, 2024, the EC emphasised its commitment to ensuring a free, fair, and transparent electoral process. "Following internal discussions and consultations with key media personalities, the Electoral Commission (EC) is pleased to announce to the Media and the Public that media persons assigned photo accreditation to cover Polling Stations will be able to use the same accreditation to cover Constituency and Regional Collation Centres. "From Saturday, December 7, 2024, media persons can access Constituency and Regional Collation Centres using their photo accreditation cards issued by the EC. "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. "This commitment is to ensure that the media can effectively cover the electoral process, and this change reflects that commitment," the commission stated.