Daniel Lawson-Drackey, head of the Independent Journalists Union of Togo, talked to RAP 21 about the preparations for general elections that are scheduled to be held in early March.

RAP 21: What are the problems that the Togolese press will face during elections?

Daniel Lawson-Drackey: One problem is the official body in charge of the administrative part of the elections. They withhold information for fear of retaliation from the higher authorities. Another problem is journalists who do not understand much about political party programs and candidates. They tend to praise the highest paying party or candidate. Yet another problem is the absence of information that would help the voters have good judgement. Other problems include bodies being propaganda tools of the authorities, false coverage of the elections and harassment and threats of the authorities when news about their frauds are published.

RAP 21: How are the media in Togo preparing for the upcoming elections?

Daniel Lawson-Drackey: Actually, these elections were originally supposed to be held in year 2000. The Independent Journalists Union of Togo had already undertaken training events for media coverage during elections. The repeated postponement of the elections have resulted in new training events, with the aim that the independent press be well-prepared for the elections. At the end of year 2000, the Union published the "Journalism Guide for Elections" with the assistance of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation. All this means that a whole series of seminars have been arranged around the elections with, for example, the following titles: media coverage during elections (for both radio and press); sources of information during elections; relations between the press and the political parties; how to approach information sources during elections; and media and civic education.

RAP 21: Do you think that there is a need for a special code of ethics during elections?

Daniel Lawson-Drackey: Absolutely. This is also why the "Journalism Guide for Elections" we published is so important. Elections in Togo are always periods of tension and conflict, with the authorities raising ethnic differences between people with the aim of breaking up the different regions. The press should not let itself get engaged in this sick game. This means that the journalists have to agree on their own behaviour in a unified and professional way in order not to stir up the tension. The guide tells about different attitudes to adopt vis--vis the law, the public authority, the political parties, colleagues as well as the election results.

RAP 21: What are your expectations for the upcoming elections?

Daniel Lawson-Drackey: As a matter of fact, it’s not sure anymore that the elections will be held in March. The last negotiations did not lead to any solution of the present conflicts. But the elections are a very important stage in the process of a return to normal life in Togo. The elections would not solve all problems, but they would mark the beginning of an awareness and democratic process. The democratic deficit of Togo is punishing us in our professional activities as well as our everyday lives. Let’s hope that if the elections are postponed, it’s not for too long.