KABUL (Pajhwok): The media commission of the Independent Election Commission (IEC) on Wednesday fined 13 television channels and a radio network for violation of laws during election campaign, an official said.
The electronic media outlets were fined for coverage of campaigns of five presidential contenders after they unleashed election activities’ coverage three days ahead of the polls--- the duration coming in the violation period, said, Hashmatullah Radfar, deputy head of the media commission.
Rahi Farda, Arzo, Afghan and Dawat channels were fined 50,000 afghanis each while Aina 75,000, Saba 60,000, Nigah and Jwandoon 35,000, Mehar 20,000, Nurin, Shamshad and Radio Nawa fined 10,000 afghanis respectively.
Radfar said fines levied on the channels for covering election activities of presidential runners, including Abdul Rab Rassoul Sayyaf, Dr. Zalmai Rasoul, Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai, Dr. Abdullah Abdullah and Gul Agha Sherzai during campaign.
Farida Nikzad, head of the media commission, however, lauded the role of other media outlets for staying neutral during the election campaign.
She praised Pajhwok Afghan News for its neutrality and provided masses with continuous updates of the ballot by presenting special reports.
Pajhwok Afghan News deserved to be appreciated for launching “Afghans Vote” which helped readers provided a range of news on the entire election process, she added.
In addition, she praised Tolo, Tolo News, One TV, Khurshid and Kabul News channels for demonstrating impartiality to cover the ballot process.
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