The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged Journalists, especially those involved in election reporting, to develop a good understanding of the electoral process in order to deliver fair reporting and contribute to stabilizing the electoral process.

Deputy Director Publicity for INEC, Nick Dazang made this call while delivering an opening remark at the on going 5-day Building Resources in Democracy Governance and Elections (BRIDGE) workshop organized by UNDP-Democratic Governance for Development (DGD) II Project at the Asaa Pyramid Hotel, Kaduna between 30th June to 4th July 2014.

The workshop tagged “Media and Elections Workshop”, draws participants from various media organizations across the country aimed at empowering journalists with the required knowledge/tools to cover elections.

In his remark, Mr. Dazang noted that “INEC and it development partners understand the important role journalists play in the electoral process, that is why constant efforts are being made to organize trainings which will enable them carry out their work with integrity and fairness”.

While appreciating the immense contribution of the development partners towards promoting “a stable political process”, Mr. Dazang urged the participants to seize the opportunity offered by the workshop to “enhance their knowledge of the electoral process, develop a good understanding and relationship with INEC and do their work with integrity and fairness.“

Adding to the charge by the Deputy Director of Publicity INEC, Mr. Isa Moddibo a Media Consultant to the UNDP-DGD said “Journalists covering the Election Management Body (EMB) have a role in preserving the democratic process,” urging them to be factual and balanced in their reporting because they are crucial to restoring stability to the political system.

The workshop has in attendance 40 participants from various media organisations and staff of INEC, trained by BRIDE-accredited facilitators.

Source: INEC BULLETIN