The
Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) Monday conducted a training session for
media personnel and members of civil society organisations (CSOs) on electoral
laws, at the NaNA conference hall, Bertil Harding Highway.
The
three-day training course, which also includes political parties and security
personnel, was part of the IEC’s activities leading to the presidential
election slated for December 1.
The
training course would enlighten participants on how to safeguard the integrity
and standard of the electoral process, and to ensure the impartial and
professional dissemination of information as enshrined in the electoral laws of
the country.
In
her welcome remarks, the IEC commissioner, Isatou Jallow Ndure, said the media
plays an essential role in upholding, monitoring and dissemination of
information throughout the electoral cycle.
Mrs
Ndure pointed out that the IEC is looking forward to a free, fair and
transparent election, which prompted them to organise the training course, and
sensitisation of all stakeholders on the electoral process in order for media
personnel to be able to offer correct information to the general public.
She
called on media practitioners to remain committed to providing professional,
independent and factual coverage to promote positive public education during
the election period.
The
IEC Chairman, Alieu Momar Njai, in his address to the participants, said the
training session was an important aspect of the electoral activities, as it
aims to sensitise the media and civil society organisations (CSOs) on their
roles and responsibilities during the election.
He
said the media and CSOs have been close partners to the IEC since they play
crucial role in the electoral process, as they serve as an important vehicle
through which voters are given the opportunity to make informed choices.
He
said the training course would equip journalists with the necessary tools and
practical guidelines in helping them fulfill their professional standards and
media ethics, according to the election rules and regulations which generally
includes accuracy, impartiality and responsibility in election reporting.
Mr
Njai appealed to journalists and members of CSOs to utilise knowledge gained
from the training course, in discharging their duties of informing and educating
voters and candidates on the electoral process.
He
also called on journalists and CSO members to desist from defamatory,
derivative and malicious conduct which has the potential to cause conflict and
violence.
Omar
Bah, one of the participating journalists, said the training course was “very
important and timely”, as it would foster a spirit of tolerance and
understanding among the various stakeholders in the upcoming elections.
