The Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (nbc) has allocated free broadcasting airtime to political parties participating in the Keetmashoop Rural Constituency by-election slated for May 15.

This was revealed by the nbc’s Special Projects Manager during a consultation meeting with the political parties in Windhoek today (Thursday).

Kalilo Kalilo revealed that the broadcaster allocated 45 minutes of airtime that will be equally shared among the five political parties participating in the by-elections.

He explained that political parties, associations, or independent candidates will each be allocated an opportunity to air three messages, each with a duration of three minutes, which will amount to a total of nine minutes per party.

These messages will be aired on nbc radio platforms and also on NBC1 at 18:50.

The equal-free-airtime allocation content will begin broadcasting on April 29 and will continue until May 13.

In terms of news coverage, the nbc will cover two official events, activities, or rallies per political party, independent candidate, or association, which will be covered in line with the nbc editorial policy.

In addition, Kalilo says that parties and candidates contesting also have the option of paying for commercial content on all nbc radio stations and TV. 

The paid content, he says, is restricted to five to 10 minutes and must strictly be free from any personal attacks.

Kalilo also noted that on May 14, there will be no broadcasting of political content and that the day will only be used to broadcast election polling readiness.