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afrol News, 24 April - As the 20 May Chadian presidential elections are approaching, political control of the media is toughening. Private radio stations have been prohibited to broadcast "political debates" or "programs of a political character," according to the media watchdog Reporters sans frontières (RSF). RSF today informed that it had sent a letter of protest to Emmanuel Touade, president of the Chadian High Council of Communications (HCC), after he decided not to allow private, community or organisational radio broadcasters to broadcast "political debates" or "programs of a political character" during the electoral campaigns. The media watchdog demanded a change in mind from Mr. Touade, saying he should revise his decision and let the Chadian media cover the election freely. "It is indispensable that the private radio stations may participate in the political dialogue that will take place during the electoral campaign," Robert Ménard, Secretary-General of RSF stated. - A presidential election is a crucial stage in the democratic processes of a country, and it should be unthinkable that only the public broadcasting media are to mirror them, Ménard said. "Further, there is a significant risk that the President would become privileged at the expense of the candidates from the opposition," Ménard added. Chadians will go to the ballot on 20 Mai to elect their president. Observers expect incumbent president Idriss Déby to be re-elected. Déby, which came to power in a military coup in 1990, was elected president in 1996, in a poll marred by fraud and irregularities. This year's election has not had a more promising start. According to RSF, the HCC on 17 April decided on a "regulation of the media campaign during the 2001 presidential election." Article 23 of the regulation stipulates that "during the whole of the 2001 presidential election campaigning period, all kind of political debate or debate of political character is prohibited on private, community or organisational radio stations." Another article says that newspapers "should not make commentaries of opinion." On earlier occasions, Chadian editors have been detained for printing letters of opinion criticising the government. Finally in the HCC regulations, article 35 indicates that radio stations "not conform with the present decision will be suspended during the entire duration of the electoral campaign." Radio stations hence are given the choice between not covering the presidential campaign or being shut down. The Chadian Constitution provides for freedom of speech and of the press. However, the government is reported to have restricted this right in practice on several occasions. Last year, the government threatened journalists several times with legal retaliation for publication of antigovernment articles. Meanwhile, at least seven candidates have registered for the presidential election, including President Deby and Minister of State, Saleh Kebzaboh, nominated by his UNDR party. One of Deby's former prime ministers, Kassire Coumakoye, was earlier nominated by the RDP. Coumakoye was prime minister from 1993 to 1995. Other registered opposition candidates include the parliamentarians Jean-Bawoyeu Alingué and Ngarledjy Yorongar. Sources: Based on RSF and afrol archives
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