Addis Ababa — The Secretary General of the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Party (EPRP), Mistir‑Selassie Tamirat, has accused several Ethiopian media institutions of failing to maintain neutrality in the coverage of ongoing election debates, alleging that some broadcasters have effectively promoted the agenda of the ruling Prosperity Party.
In remarks shared publicly this week, Tamirat said she observed what she described as “clear bias” in the way election debates were organized and presented, particularly by the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation and the Addis Media Network.
Tamirat said the debate programs were largely centered on urban “corridor development” projects carried out in Addis Ababa, which she argued were presented in a promotional manner despite criticism that such initiatives have contributed to social and economic disruptions for city residents.
Referring to a debate session on tourism, mining, and industry organized by the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation in which she participated, Tamirat said the framing of the discussion raised concerns about editorial independence.
“From what I observed, the institution, through the expert moderating the debate, spent virtually the entire session promoting these projects,” she said. “As a journalist, I know very well that location choice and visual framing are powerful non-verbal cues in communication.”
Tamirat also alleged that remarks she made during the recording criticizing the lack of neutrality were removed from the final broadcast.
“During the recording, I clearly stated that this approach was inappropriate and that media outlets should not publicly demonstrate such a lack of neutrality, especially during an election period,” she said. “However, that section of my remarks was cut.”
She further claimed that an interview she gave to the Addis Media Network on elections and national issues was not aired.
“Addis TV completely withheld the interview I gave representing EPRP on electoral and national issues,” she said. “While I was not entirely surprised, given the partisanship I observed from the journalist during the interview, the decision still says a great deal about the institution.”
Tamirat emphasized that public media outlets should not function as government propaganda platforms, particularly during election periods.
“Public media should not serve as a propaganda tool for the government,” she said. “Even if the daily reality suggests otherwise, we at least hoped that during the election period this overt alignment with the ruling party would be restrained.”
The EPRP has previously stated that one of its conditions for continuing participation in the electoral process is the neutrality of democratic institutions and the protection of media freedom. Tamirat argued that recent developments demonstrate that the principle of media neutrality has been violated.
At the same time, she commended the professionalism of Fana Broadcasting Corporate and its staff for their role in moderating debate platforms.
“I would like to express my respect for the professionalism shown by Fana Broadcasting Corporate and the experts involved in facilitating the debate platform,” she said.
