Upon the initiative of His Excellency Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, and in line with the League’s commitment as a regional organisation to the principles of the United Nations and the fundamental standards related to election observation and codes of conduct, substantial amendments were introduced to the Arab Media Code of Ethics to incorporate the media dimension during election periods.
The amendments are the outcome of collaborative efforts and constructive dialogue among member states and media unions affiliated to the Council of Arab Information Ministers. The amended code was adopted by the General Secretariat pursuant to Resolution 9144 of the League Council at the Ministerial Level during its 163rd ordinary session last April.
The Media Code of Ethics, applicable to national Arab media institutions accredited by member states, remains a key instrument for upholding the principles of transparency and freedom of expression. It affirms respect for pluralism, recognizes civilisational, cultural, and societal components, supports development pathways, and serves as a high-level reference framework to effectively keep pace with the rapid and qualitative evolution of the media sector in the digital and information age.
The Code calls on journalists and media professionals to promote electoral awareness and to refrain from disseminating misleading rumours, particularly those that incite hatred, contempt, or promote violence, extremism, and terrorism. It further encourages the participation of women and persons with disabilities in electoral processes and their integration into political life. The Code also mandates impartial treatment of candidates in media coverage of election campaigns, without discrimination against any candidate, list, or party, and prohibits the publication of defamatory statements.
Overall, the revised Media Code of Ethics constitutes a vital instrument for advancing political development and reinforcing the institutional frameworks of Arab states. It is a practical step towards deepening media engagement in the integrity and vitality of electoral processes, enhancing its performance and role in cooperation with official and professional bodies. The dissemination and implementation of this Code will undoubtedly strengthen the electoral observation work undertaken by the League’s Elections Secretariat, which, since its establishment in 2013, has monitored 92 electoral and referendum processes around the world.
Ambassador Ahmed Rashid Khattabi,
Assistant Secretary-General,
Head of the Media and Communication Sector
