26 November, 2009
Ivorian Media Banned from Publishing Opinion Polls
YAMOUSSOUKRO, Cote d’Ivoire
The media in Cote d’Ivoire has been prohibited by the National Press Council from publishing opinion polls on presidential candidates.
This is a result of an opinion poll they published recently favoring President Laurent Gbagbo. It created a lot of tension in the region and according to the council chairman it might confuse the voters.
The CNP chairman, Eugene Kacou, further warned that any offender will face the law. The penalties will include suspension of the media house and a fine of between one to ten million. However foreign press will be excluded.
An election date in Cote d’Ivoire has not yet been fixed after the initial date for the elections November 29 was postponed. [GR]