91. By its liberal nature, the Press and Communication Code in force in Togo is
viewed as one of the best press protection instruments in the West African subregion.
92. The protection of the press is ensured by an independent body, the High
Audiovisual and Communication Authority (HAAC). According to Article 130 of the
Constitution, the High Audiovisual and Communication Authority is tasked with
guaranteeing and ensuring the freedom and protection of the press and other means of
communication, including equal access by political parties and associations to the
mass media. It ensures respect for professional code of ethics in the area of
information, communication and equal access by political parties and associations to
official means of information and communication. It is competent to give
authorisation for the installation of new television channels and private radio stations.
The organisation and running of this institution are regulated by organic law No.
2004-021 of 15 December, 2004, as amended and supplemented by organic Law No.
2013-016 of 8 July, 2013 relating to the High Audiovisual and Communication
Authority.
93. On the eve of the presidential elections of April 2015, the HAAC prepared Order
No. 006/HAAC/15/P setting out the conditions for the production, programming,
dissemination of broadcasts and publication of information on the electoral
campaigns in the official media outlets, regarding Decision No. 06/HAAC/13/P on
the regulation of broadcasts directly expressed on sound radio broadcast antennaes
and television channels and Decision No. 004/HAAC/15/P on respect by private
media of the principles of pluralism and balanced information during the presidential
campaign, a code of good conduct and a recommendation relating to the publication
of results.
94. Several training workshops and seminars were organised for journalists for a
professional and responsible coverage of this event which the government and its
partners wanted to be highly transparent as possible. The following seminars are also
worth mentioning:
- The training seminar organised for journalists on the theme: “Towards
Equal Access for Candidates in the Official Media for Peaceful Presidential
Elections in 2015”;
- The Seminar on the facilitation of interactive broadcasts in the audiovisual
media during the election period;
- The Training on Media Monitoring (media service monitoring by HAAC
and local correspondents);
- The training of media owners at Tsévié;
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