Local Media Observation of Mozambique’s Elections

Abstract

Local journalists working together in Mozambique have overcome many of the limitations of international and domestic election observation. In a system developed during three pairs of municipal and national elections (2003-4, 2008-9, 2013-4), journalists from community radio and other local media reported to a national daily newsletter on registration, campaigning, voting and counting while continuing to work for their own organizations. Reports of local violence and misconduct were published nationally, usually bring rapid responses. Evidence from local journalists, together with continued media pressure, forced elections to be re-run. This led to changes in the electoral law which reduced misconduct. Three aspects proved central: accuracy, local knowledge, and central editorial control. Daily publication meant that reports had more immediacy that those of other elections observers. As a result, collaboration by local journalists ensure the accountability of political parties and the electoral system.