The National Elections Commission (CNE) confirmed the legitimacy of presidential candidate Manuela Magno to file a complaint against the exclusion of television debates organized by RTP, SIC and TVI, announcing the candidacy of the music teacher with a degree in Nuclear Physics.
“In the opinion issued, the CNE frames the case within the constitutional principles of equal opportunities for candidates and the editorial freedom of media outlets, highlighting that these values must be harmonized. The Commission warns that editorial freedom cannot override the principle of equal treatment provided for in article 113 of the Constitution of the Portuguese Republic”, explains a statement sent to the newsrooms.
The application also states that “the CNE also considers that the ‘representativeness’ criterion, based on the results of previous elections, is of very limited application in presidential elections, and could lead to unjustified exclusions”. “The opinion also criticizes concerted practices between the three television operators, which reduce pluralism, restrict public information and compromise equal opportunities for candidates”, it can be read.