Egypt launches special channel on elections
Egypt, Politics, 10/28/2005

The Egyptian government has announced the launch of a terrestrial channel for covering the upcoming parliamentary elections, pledging neutral and equal coverage of the process.

The channel will broadcast 12 hours a day allowing candidates to promote their platforms in five-minute slots each, Minister of Information Anas el-Fiqi told a press conference.

El-Fiqi promised equal airtime for all candidates standing in the elections, of which the first stage will be held on 9 November, to encourage political participation among viewers and listeners.

On Channel I of the state-run TV, party leaders will explain their relative party's platform in detail. On Channel II, another talk show will be allocated to analyzing fielded platforms.

The talk shows are to broadcast once again on six local channels, along with four other 120-minute airtime programs on a nationwide news channel to cover each party's campaign to rally support for its candidates.

Commercial breaks will also help candidates seeking to win over more voters. Candidates could run an advertisement of up to three minutes on TV and six minutes on radio.

However, Fiqi warned the programs should steer clear of pitting one candidate against another, disrespecting national unity, violating the candidates' privacy, or influencing the campaign in favor of certain candidates.

Fiqi warned Cabinet ministers against exploiting their posts in advancing their campaigns. Media staffers running in the elections will be banned from presenting their regular programs at the time of the campaign. The media will offer equal time for all candidates, in a neutral, balanced and accurate manner, said the minister.

The Ministry of Information's Radio and Television Union runs a group of terrestrial and satellite channels, and radio stations.

Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif pledged earlier in the day steps to guarantee a free and fair vote.

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