AEM: Election silence begins at midnight, media to pay attention to replays of previously broadcast content

The Agency for Electronic Media (AEM) called on the media that broadcast the program in Montenegro to respect the election silence ahead of the local elections in Budva, which start tonight at midnight.

"In accordance with the Rulebook, the election silence begins 24 hours before the day of the election and lasts until the polling stations close. As the elections are scheduled for May 26, 2024, the pre-election silence begins on Friday, May 24, 2024 at midnight," it is written in the announcement.

AEM reminded that during the period of pre-election silence, it is not allowed to broadcast, "media presentation of electoral list applicants and candidates from electoral lists, political advertising, publication of evaluations of voting results, candidate slogans or symbols, results of public opinion polls, other research and analysis related to by the voter's determination regarding the evaluation of the election results.

"It is necessary for the media to pay special attention to replays of previously broadcast content in which media representation was carried out, especially debates, interviews or other content about current events in which the holders and/or representatives of electoral lists as well as other entities involved in the process were guests election campaigns, rebroadcast contents of electronic media outside of Montenegro, and especially classic informational programs and contents about current events, use of head coverings during journalistic contributions in informational programs", it is added.

AEM assessed that it often happens that when reporting on various issues of interest to the public, as covers for statements or announcements by political entities, graphics containing the logo, symbol, message or slogan of the political entity, announcements and conferences are used press.

"When transmitting announcements or press conferences of political entities that take place during the period of election silence, the broadcaster is obliged to adjust the information in such a way that it does not contain the promotion of the political entity. This applies to both verbal promotion and the broadcasting of logos, symbols or slogans that are part of the scenography of the space where press conferences are held," they concluded.