The United Democratic Party (UDP) says it is boycotting national broadcaster GRTS over IEC election broadcast rules. 

The UDP has told the Independent Electoral Commission in a strongly worded letter that it did not agree with its interpretation of the media laws relating to the use of GRTS. 

In it UDP communication chief Amadou Scattred Janneh said political expression guaranteed by the Constitution should be protected during the political campaign period.

He wrote: “It is perplexing to say the least, that the IEC would interpret media laws relating to use of GRTS to include stifling of a candidate’s right to review and  criticize the incumbent’s policies, programmes and conduct.  This is both impractical and inconceivable in a democratic environment.

“We believe such a limitation is not in line with the letter and spirit of the law and relevant regulations.  The IEC’s denial of the UDP’s right to political expression through the public broadcaster is unacceptable.

“Therefore, the UDP is not submitting any new content merely to fill airtime on GRTS.  The party would rather continue to use other media than to forfeit its right to use the public broadcaster without undue hindrance.”