The High Authority of Communication (HAC) in Guinea has taken steps to ensure a fair, peaceful, and transparent electoral process for the 2026 regional and senate elections. Through its decision N°046/HAC/P/2026, signed on November 6, 2026, by its president Boubacar Yacine Diallo, the HAC has officially set the conditions and modalities for media coverage of the campaigns. The elections are scheduled for November 29, 2026, and December 20, 2026.
The HAC has emphasized the need for impartial journalism and the preservation of social peace during the electoral period. The institution has reminded private media actors, including radios, televisions, print and online press, and accredited foreign press, of their responsibility to adhere to ethical and deontological standards. The HAC has particularly highlighted the potential risks associated with new technologies and the manipulation of information.
The HAC has established several key measures to regulate media coverage of the campaigns. These include prohibiting the dissemination of content that could incite hatred, violence, or undermine national cohesion. The HAC has also banned the manipulation of information using artificial intelligence and emphasized the need for vigilance regarding digital content to prevent the spread of false information.
The HAC's decision also focuses on ensuring equal access to media for all candidates. Media outlets are required to provide equitable airtime and editorial space to all candidates, as well as comparable programming conditions. Additionally, paid advertising and promotional messages must be offered at identical tariff conditions for all candidates.
The HAC has also imposed strict rules on interactive programs, which are often popular during electoral periods. The institution requires presenters to demonstrate rigor in conducting these programs, and any deviation may result in the suspension or prohibition of the program or media outlet.
In the run-up to the elections, the HAC has reminded media outlets and candidates of the importance of responsibility and civic duty. The institution has threatened severe disciplinary sanctions, including immediate suspension of participation in the campaign, for those who fail to comply with the regulations.
The HAC's move aims to promote a peaceful and transparent electoral process in Guinea. The institution's president, Boubacar Yacine Diallo, has emphasized the importance of adhering to the established guidelines to ensure the integrity of the elections.
Key points
- The HAC has established guidelines for media coverage of the 2026 regional and senate elections in Guinea.
- The regulations aim to promote a fair, peaceful, and transparent electoral process.
- The HAC has threatened severe disciplinary sanctions for media outlets and candidates who fail to comply with the regulations.
