The conference was organized by the NAEMM jointly with CEC and Creative Union of Journalists. Apart from the staff of TV stations, it was also attended by representatives of political parties, government and public organizations.

Talking about openness and transparency in the electoral process, participants highlighted the special role of the media, which are designed to promptly and objectively inform voters about the progress of the election campaign, at the same time improving their legal and political culture. Employees of electronic media outlets realize that they have a great responsibility – deliver reliable information, talk impartially about inter-party intricacies and struggle for seats in parliament and local councils.

At the conference, participants adopted recommendations on the coverage of election campaign to the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, regional, district and city councils of people’s representatives.
It should be noted that members of NAEMM approached the coverage of the election campaign with new projects, creative designs and ideas. The major goal they set for themselves is through their own civic stance to raise voters’ participation in the political event of the year, which the future of Uzbekistan depends on.

“The upcoming elections are qualitatively different from those held five years ago. Voters’ requirements to deputies have changed. In my opinion, the main challenge for journalists covering the election campaign is open-minded approach to the subject, that is, impartiality, responsibility and high mobility. It is essential that the voter receive information promptly. This is, perhaps, the active civic stance of journalists. Our TV channel organized special programs that will raise issues of voters’ interest,” said Sukhrob Ergashev, author and presenter of Bakhs TV program, STV Samarqand.

Coverage of elections will be held here in several directions, pointed out Iroda Ismailova, chief editor at Oriat TV and radio company.

“It will mainly be news items. Previously, we used to broadcast information only from news agencies and the News Center of NAEMM. Now, for the current election campaign, we have also established our own team of correspondents. We have 26 legmen journalists who are ready to provide with reports from the scene; news from polling stations will come live. Another direction is special live programs with the participation of renowned political scientists and law scholars, representatives of the CEC, where they will answer queries from voters,” she concluded.

The stated position of nongovernmental TV and radio stations on the broad and comprehensive coverage of all phases of the election campaign suggests that the principles of transparency and openness will be implemented in practice.