International and domestic standards related to media coverage during elections were discussed at the workshop in Batumi

Regional media representatives discussed various aspects of media coverage during elections at the workshop “Media regulations during electoral process – international and domestic standards”. The event was organised by the Council of Europe in cooperation with the Supreme Election Commission of the Autonomous Republic of Ajara.

The workshop was opened by Vahagn Muradyan, Deputy Head of the Council of Europe Office in Georgia and Parmen Jalagonia, Chairperson of the Supreme Election Commission of the Autonomous Republic of Ajara. Closing remarks were made by Gennadiy Kosyak, Deputy Head of the Council of Europe Elections and Civil Society Division.

At the workshop representatives of regional media outlets discussed and exchanged views on new legislative changes related to media during elections, among them regulations on debates and news coverage; rights and duties of media representatives on E-day; Covid 19 and special voting arrangements; mechanisms for countering hate speech during election campaign; international standards and best practices on the role and conduct of media during electoral processes with an emphasis on the Council of Europe standards and etc. The workshop was conducted by Council of Europe experts.

The event was organised by the Council of Europe within the framework of the projects “Supporting Transparency, Inclusiveness and Integrity of Electoral Practice and Process in Georgia” and “Supporting Freedom of Media and Internet in Georgia”.