Dar es Salaam, Aug. 6 -- AS the general elections draw near, there is a palpable buzz in the air and that is the kind that rattles both camera tripods and political podiums.

Campaigns are in full swing; politicians are suddenly remembering the names of villages they have not visited in five years and media houses are being invited to “cover events” in the countryside, all expenses paid.

Tempting, isnt it? Let us be clear: This is the most crucial time for journalists to check their ethics like they check their pay slips.

The role of the media is not to clap when the crowd claps or echo campaign slogans like parrots on payroll. The media must be impartial, especially now when misinformation spreads faster than a politician c...