Gambia
Press Union (GPU) has recently organised a media-political party dialogue to
strengthen ties between the two sides and enhance media safety and security.
The
forum was organised as part of efforts to enhance the rule of law, democracy
and the safety and security of journalists in the country. It brought together
registered political parties, media practitioners and IEC officials.
Speaking
on the role of media in enhancing democracy and accountability, editor-in-chief
of the Standard Newspaper, Lamin Cham, said the media should be motivated to
work on its independent desire.
“Journalists
are not busy body persons who poke their nose into peoples’ affairs instead
they exercise their rights as constituted in the Constitution of The Gambia,”
he said.
Mr.
Cham said it is critical to understand the role of the media before assessing
its mission and habit, adding that the media oils the wheels of democracy. “Our
role is to collect information and disseminate it in the most effective,
balanced and fair manner.”
Joe
Colley, representative of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) said the
political story of the country has come a long way and that a lot of work has
been done.
However,
he said election is a human activity and therefore human beings would have to
interact despite the difference in interest.
