The Agency for Audio and Audiovisual Media Services, the Association of Journalists of Macedonia, the Macedonian Institute for Media, the Council for Ethics in the Media of Macedonia, the Institute of Communication Studies and the “Metamorphosis” Foundation signed a Memorandum of Cooperation on 29 September 2023, designed to regulate mutual cooperation related to monitoring the conduct and actions of a number of stakeholders in the online sphere during electoral processes and referenda.
The Memorandum elaborates in more detail the mode of operation of the Coordinating Body for Receiving and Acting upon Complaints concerning the conduct of political parties, their candidates, the independent candidates, the internet editions of the broadcasters, online media, fact checkers, influencers and other entities that may influence the public in favour of a campaign during elections or referenda.
In order to ensure transparency of the Coordinating Body’s operations, this website was created and it will publish all complaints and the respective replies, the Body’s standpoints, the relevant laws and by-laws that shall be taken into account when acting upon the complaints, the Code of Conduct in the Online Sphere during Electoral Processes and Referenda, etc.
Special attention will be dedicated to joint activities and events to encourage respect for the principles and standards prescribed in the Code, especially with the aim of promoting conduct free from violence, inappropriate communication, incendiary speech and hate speech, creating, framing and publishing inaccurate, incomplete or malicious information and spins. This cooperation will also include exchange of opinions and data when dealing with cases of violation of the Code’s provisions.