GANTA, NIMBA COUNTY, LIBERIA-The Deputy Executive Director for Programs at the National Elections Commission (NEC) says the Code of Conduct is vital in the reportage of journalists during the electoral period.
Atty. Nathan Garbie said:” The document will remind journalists to be ethical as they report on election-related issues, and also enable journalists to understand what election is all about, including the duties and responsibilities of the NEC and their collaboration with state security personnel.”
He said once journalists are knowledgeable about election jargon, their report on elections will be factual, accurate, and balanced before and after elections.
Also speaking, a Representative from UNDP, Cllr. Aagon Tingba pledged the entity’s continued support in working along with journalists to build their capacities, especially in election reporting.
Atty. Nathan Garbie and Cllr. Tingba spoke on Sunday, July 23, 2023, in Ganta, Nimba County, at the close of a three-day review and adoption of the Media Code of Conduct for election reporting in 2023.
In a related development, the Association of Liberia Community Radios (ALICOR) Vice President Qua-qua Miller, indicated that the roles of journalists in electioneering activities are essential.
Mr. Miller said building the capacities of journalists for the 2023 Presidential and Legislative Elections is vital, and lauded NEC and UNDP for the initiative.
He, however, recommitted the media to uphold the Code of Conduct developed for the elections to ensure a peaceful process.
The three-day gathering brought together journalists from Nimba, Bong, Lofa, Montserrado, Grand Kru, Maryland, and River Gee Counties.
Following the final review and adoption in Ganta, the Code of Ganta is to be signed shortly by the Female Journalists Association of Liberia (FeJAL), Publisher Association of Liberia (PAL), Reporter Association of Liberia (RAL), Association of Liberia Community Radios (ALICOR) and the National Elections Commission (NEC).
