Election 2024: EC makes U-turn on decision to limit media access at collation centers

The Electoral Commission (EC) has reversed its earlier directive restricting media access to constituency and regional collation centres.

In a statement, the EC announced that following internal discussions and consultations with key media stakeholders, media personnel assigned photo accreditation to cover polling stations will now be permitted to use the same accreditation for access to constituency and regional collation centres.

“From Saturday, 7th December, 2024, media persons can access Constituency and Regional Collation Centres using their photo accreditation cards issued by the EC.”

The EC emphasized its commitment to transparency and accountability, noting that the revised accreditation system is designed to provide media professionals with greater access and flexibility during the electoral process.

“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.”

Arrangements regarding media access to the National Collation Centre will be announced soon.