«National Media» demands equality in the presentation of electoral programs

The National Media Council (NMC) has stressed the necessity of distinguishing electoral propaganda from news items, and the commitment of the official media in each emirate to the principle of equality of candidates, in accordance with the executive instructions for the elections of the Federal National Council.

He added that the electronic media law prohibits the promotion of any person on the communication platforms for a fee, without obtaining a license from the competent authorities.

In detail, the Council issued a circular on electoral propaganda in the media and social media platforms, aimed at promoting integrity and equality among candidates, adherence to the standards of media content, and the manual of advertisements in force in accordance with the executive instructions for the elections of the Federal National Council, issued by the National Elections Commission. .

The circular included the need to distinguish paid advertising from regular news items, to ensure that the media did not influence voters.

He also stressed the need for the official media to commit to equality between candidates, so that the public is aware of the paid advertising material.

Dr. Rashid Khalfan Al Nuaimi, Executive Director of Media Affairs at the National Media Council, said that "the commitment of candidates and the media to the laws governing electoral advertising regulations achieves the principle of integrity and transparency and ensures equality between candidates."

The circular included what is published on social media practicing commercial advertising, to which the advertising system applies, and published on the website of the Council, which prohibits the use of words and phrases that are not appropriate to the prestige of the state and the Federal National Council.

Al-Naimi pointed out the need for the use of persons and institutions licensed to work in the field of publicity and advertising, by the National Media Council, where the law prohibits electronic media to promote anyone on the communication platforms for a fee, without obtaining a license.