We asked senior journalists in the Media Helping Media network what journalists should look out for when covering elections? The responses are below.

1: Pressure – Beyond the Surface of Influence

• Going beyond the obvious
  • Don’t just report on blatant bribery. Investigate the networks involved. Who are the power brokers behind these attempts? Follow the money trail.
  • Analyse the psychological tactics of intimidation. How do subtle threats, coded language, or targeted disinformation campaigns create a climate of fear?
  • Examine the impact of unbalanced media access. How does it shape public perception and create an uneven playing field? Quantify the disparity if possible.
• Adding depth and insight
  • Interview psychologists and sociologists to understand the effects of pressure on voter behaviour.
  • Use data analysis to map the distribution of reported intimidation incidents and identify hotspots.
  • Provide historical context by comparing current pressure tactics to past elections or similar situations in other countries.
  • Investigate the use of online pressure, and the use of bots and trolls to manipulate public opinion.
• Perspective
  • Frame pressure as a systemic issue, not just isolated incidents.
  • Consider the long-term consequences of unchecked pressure on democratic institutions.

2: Barriers – Unmasking disenfranchisement

• Going beyond the surface
  • Don’t just report on long lines at polling stations. Investigate the root causes of those delays. Are they intentional or the result of incompetence?
  • Explore the intersectionality of disenfranchisement. How do barriers disproportionately affect marginalised communities, such as minorities, the elderly, or people with disabilities?
  • Examine the legal and regulatory framework governing voter registration and eligibility. Are there loopholes or ambiguities that can be exploited?
• Adding depth and insight
  • Use data visualisation to illustrate the geographic distribution of voter registration challenges.
  • Conduct in-depth interviews with voters who have been disenfranchised, amplifying their voices and experiences.
  • Consult with legal experts to analyse the constitutionality of voter registration laws.
    Investigate the digital divide, and how a lack of access to the internet can disenfranchise voters.
• Perspective
  • Frame disenfranchisement as a violation of fundamental democratic rights.
  • Highlight the long-term consequences of voter suppression on civic engagement and political representation.

3: Fraud – unraveling the web of deception

• Going beyond the surface
  • Don’t just report on allegations of fraud. Investigate the evidence behind those claims.
  • Examine the mechanisms of fraud. How are ballots stolen, stuffed, or destroyed? What vulnerabilities exist in the election system?
  • Analyse the role of technology in election fraud, including cyberattacks and the spread of disinformation.
• Adding depth and insight
  • Use forensic analysis to examine ballots and other election materials.
  • Consult with cybersecurity experts to assess the vulnerability of election systems.
  • Fact-check claims of fraud, providing clear and accurate information to the public.
  • Investigate the use of deep fakes, and other forms of manipulated media.
• Perspective
  • Frame fraud as a threat to the integrity of the election process.
  • Emphasize the importance of transparency and accountability in election administration.

4: Irregularities – decoding logistical failures

• Going beyond the surface
  • Don’t just report on logistical problems. Investigate the systemic factors that contribute to them.
  • Examine the preparedness of election officials. Were they adequately trained and resourced?
  • Analyze the impact of irregularities on voter confidence and participation.
• Adding depth and insight
  • Use data analysis to track the frequency and severity of logistical problems.
  • Interview election officials, poll workers, and voters to understand the challenges they faced.
  • Provide clear and concise explanations of complex logistical issues.
  • Use maps to show the location of irregularities.
• Perspective
  • Frame irregularities as a symptom of broader systemic weaknesses.
  • Advocate for reforms to improve election administration and ensure a smooth and efficient process.

5: Information – cultivating informed citizens

• Going beyond the surface
  • Don’t just report on the candidates’ platforms. Provide context and analysis of their policy proposals.
  • Examine the effectiveness of civic education programmes. Are they reaching the target audience?
  • Analyse the role of media literacy in combating disinformation and promoting informed decision-making.
• Adding depth and insight
  • Use fact-checking and data journalism to hold candidates accountable for their statements.
  • Provide in-depth explainers on complex election issues.
  • Host public forums and debates to facilitate dialogue between candidates and voters.
    Investigate the level of media literacy within the electorate.
• Perspective
  • Frame civic education as an essential component of a healthy democracy.
  • Emphasise the responsibility of journalists to provide accurate and unbiased information.
  • Highlight the dangers of information vacuums, and the way that they can be filled with misinformation.

By adopting these approaches, journalists can go beyond simply reporting on election events and instead provide valuable insights that empower citizens to make informed decisions and hold their elected officials accountable.

The post Investigating election irregularities first appeared on Media Helping Media.

Journalists covering elections should never carry a weapon, should have first aid training, dress appropriately, listen to the locals and avoid confrontation.

These are some of the tips set out by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) in the Election Reporting Handbook (download the pdf from this page), a section of which is reproduced on this site with permission.

Staying safe and healthy

Never carry a gun or other weapon. Get basic first aid training. This does not mean an obligation to provide medical care to every victim you see, but it may assist an injured colleague.

Know your rights

It is useful to have an understanding of the regulations which relate to unrest areas, and to know which areas are affected. This knowledge will allow you to challenge with confidence any member of the security forces who tells you that you may not take photographs, or who orders you to leave an area when you have a right to stay. An irresponsible or uninformed act may not only put you in danger, but could also have repercussions for colleagues.

Know your destination

Be as prepared as possible before leaving the office. Know what political, racial, religious or any other conflict exists within a region. Information can keep you out of trouble. Talk to other journalists. Networking is important. If you have experienced problems in a particular area, warn other journalists to be careful.

Make contacts

Get to know the media officers of all the major organisations in the area. Look out for press marshals at rallies and marches. If you have any difficulty, ask a marshal for help. If you are covering a major protest march or political rally, survey the route/venue beforehand. Look for telephones that can be used, vantage points from which you can survey the event without being too close in case of trouble.

Be familiar with the roads and where they lead to in case you have to leave suddenly. Learn and observe local community protocol. This could include who you speak to first when you go into a community, and how you address leaders.

Dress appropriately

Always dress in comfortable clothing that does not limit your freedom of movement. Especially no heels or narrow skirts.

Clothing that attracts attention to you is out of place in a trouble zone. Dress to be inconspicuous. Avoid leather jackets, expensive sun glasses or jewellery. They make you a walking target for criminals.

Be aware of the colours of the political movements and parties active in your region, and avoid wearing them in the same combinations.

Some journalists prefer to dress formally, but many believe that it is better not to be too well-dressed for fear of being mistaken for police officers. Avoid t-shirts with political slogans. There is a debate whether it is better always to be instantly identifiable as a journalist or not. Some think it is a good idea to wear a t-shirt which announces “press” or “media”; others point out that journalists are sometimes targeted precisely because they are from the media. There is no easy or safe answer. It is clear that there will be times when it is better to be identifiable and others when it is not. Use your judgement.

Before leaving home

The most basic rule of covering conflict is never to travel alone. If there is no-one else from your news organisation available, telephone around to find a colleague to take along. It is worth the time and trouble. And while we might be in competition, we are still colleagues. Watch out for one another.

Always tell your editor, colleagues and family where you are going and what time you expect to be back. Make sure someone at home knows what to do and who to contact if you don’t arrive.

In the field

Listen to the locals. Pay attention to advice from people living in a region or an area. They know best.

It is essential to carry a press card. Keep it handy. Don’t keep it in your wallet – you’ll be advertising your money every time you take out your press card. The breast pocket of your shirt is a good place.

Watch out for big crowds. They are a good signal for what is happening. But don’t stop your vehicle in front of the crowd, or try to drive through it. And if things are too quiet and there are few or no people on the streets, this could indicate danger.

If there are other journalists about, stick close to them.

Never be seen to be too friendly with the security forces. If a security officer offers his or her hand, don’t take it. Apologise and say you don’t mean to be offensive, but you cannot afford to be seen shaking hands.

If you are caught in the middle of a disturbance, move away — but don’t run. If you run, you could be seen as a target.

Do not attempt to cross directly from one side of a confrontation to the other.

The post Media safety during elections first appeared on Media Helping Media.