Liberian Journalists Drill in Elections Reporting

By Peter Kieh Doe

The National Elections Commission (NEC) in collaboration with the University of Liberia Mass Communication Department conducted a two-day media training for Liberian journalists on elections reporting under the theme: "Enhancing Professional Media Reportage Through Elections Training".

 Supported by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) the training was held over the weekend, December 10-11, 2010 in Gbarnga City, Bong County. The purpose of the workshop is to enhance the techniques and skills of Journalists on elections reporting so as not unduly instigate violence riotous deportment amongst the electorate.

 

The training workshop started in earnest with an Official Statement delivered by NEC Chairman James M. Fromayan. Chairman Fromayan thanked the organizers and participants for the positive efforts and understanding as the nation prepares for the 2011 Legislative and Presidential elections. He urged participants to take the workshop seriously and use the knowledge acquired in a professional and ethical manner in the process leading to 2011 elections and on Election Day, itself.

 

Chairman Fromayan said professionalism and honesty on the part of all players and participants will positively contribute to the   successful conduct of peaceful, free, fair, transparent and credible 2011 Legislative and Presidential elections.

 

The NEC Chairman's presentation was followed by remarks offered by IFES, the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) and UL Mass Communication Department.

 

Like Day-one, Day-two of the workshop was interactive. Various speakers and facilitators including Professors Joe W. Mulbah and Weade K. Wureh of U.L. Mass Communication Department made presentations on a number of topics such as" Media Ethics and Elections Reporting," and "The Technique of on the Spot Reporting of Election Results". Messrs Nathan P. Garbie, Bobby W. Livingstone, James Wallace and A. Blamo Sieh of the NEC also made presentations on various issues such as: Challenges ahead of the 2011 Elections: Where is the NEC? "Voter's Registration Procedures and Applicants", "Referendum-Where are we? Preparations, Challenges and Prospects".  "Laws Governing Elections in Liberia".

 

Bong County Superintendent, Rennie Jackson, who attended the closing session of the workshop   presented certificates of Participation to Journalists on behalf of the Mass Communication Department of the University of Liberia.  

 

http://www.necliberia.org/other.php?&7d5f44532cbfc489b8db9e12e44eb820=MTk5

 

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