Media responsibility in an
election does not stop with the announcement of the result. Indeed, it is a
continuing story, of important to the public, and includes reporting on
electoral disputes mechanisms and the outcome of related cases[1],
the inauguration of those who are newly elected, the selection of a new
government, and implementation of campaign promises.
Post election reporting is
one of the most important elements of election coverage and of political
reporting more generally. Reporters in healthy democracies continue to
scrutinise electoral authorities and elected officials, through assessing their
promises, actions, and policies, as time progresses. It is important for
journalism education and training programs to include this on-going ‘watchdog’
role in courses, providing journalists with necessary research, analytical and
writing skills to continue to carry out quality reporting of all branches of
government between elections.
