Independence Policy

While Dubawa acknowledges the right of every individual to contest for an elective position as well as support any candidate of their choice running for an elective position, it is our opinion that the independence of the platform may be called to question if team members are partisan. To this end, any team member who wants to contest elections or support/ sponsor a candidate in any form either by active campaigning or donating to a campaign fund; shall resign his/her position on the team. Dubawa and members of its team, as well as contributors and members of the governing and editorial board, shall, by all means, remain non-partisan.

Team members who wish to hold public offices must also as a matter of necessity resign their position in DUBAWA. Team members include all members of the governing and editorial board. As such, they may not march or rally in support of public causes or movements, sign ads taking a position on public issues, or lend their name to campaigns, benefit dinners or similar events if doing so might reasonably raise doubts about their ability or DUBAWA’s ability to function as neutral observers in covering the news. Team members must keep in mind that neighbours and other observers commonly see them as representatives of DUBAWA.

Team members may appear from time to time on radio and television programs devoted to public affairs, but they should avoid expressing views that go beyond what they would be allowed to say on the platform. DUBAWA expects team members to consider carefully the forums in which they appear and to protect the standards and impartiality of the platform as a whole.

Team members must know that perfectly proper political activity by their spouses, family or companions may nevertheless create conflicts of interest or the appearance of conflict. When such a possibility arises, the team member should advise the Editor or Director. Depending on circumstances, the staff member may have to recuse himself or herself from certain coverage or even move to a job unrelated to the activities in question.

A team member with any doubts about a proposed political activity should consult the Editor or Director. These restrictions protect the heart of our mission as journalists. Though DUBAWA will consider matters case by case, it will be exceedingly cautious before permitting an exception.