For journalists who will be involved in the coverage of the forthcoming general elections, below are tips on what to do and guide against to ensure your safety and comprehensive reporting by the National Association of Political Correspondents (NAPOC) 1990s.
A) Carry your Identity card that indicates the media organisation you work for.
B) If provided, wear a media-labelled jacket that can mark you out among the crowd.
C) Move with colleagues as much as possible instead of moving around alone and being exposed to any danger.
D) Be security conscious and don’t expose yourself to unnecessary danger. Where possible conduct a security risk assessment of the locations you are covering.
E) Avoid political arguments with unknown people who may have partisan interests.
F) Don’t interfere in the election process. Your job is to report and not to tell electoral officials what to do and not do. Just observe and file your report
G) Be aware of your environment and know where to be and stay away from.
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H) Note the entrances and exits in case of any emergency.
I) Stay close to security operatives who may protect you in violent situations.
J) Be courteous to polling officials and security men.
J) Link up with election observers if need be for their reports of areas you are unable to cover.
K) Be mobile and carry enough cash.
