By Grace Q. Bryant
Several media practitioners have committed to safeguarding the protection of a free and fair Presidential and Representative Elections in October.
The declaration was signed by managing editors, directors, reporters, and civil society actors led by the Publishers Association in the presence of the ECOWAS observation mission in Liberia yesterday at the end of a two-day training held in Monrovia.
The training was under the theme: ‘Engagement to enhance the role of media and CSOs to support the conduct of credible and peaceful elections in Liberia.’
In part, the declaration read, “We, media practitioners from various broadcast, online, and print media organizations in the Republic of Liberia, having participated in an Encounter with Media Editors, are to promote Participatory Democracy for Credible, Free, and Fair Elections in Liberia, facilitated by the
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission and the Office of the Resident Representative of the President of ECOWAS Commission in Liberia, for the purpose of enhancing the skills and knowledge of Media practitioners in Liberia on how the Media can contribute to promote professionalism, social cohesion and harmony, especially during the 2023 electioneering period.”
Accordingly, it was further agreed that, “We recall the relevant provisions of the Constitution of Liberia, ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and other International instruments, which guarantee and promote freedom of the Press, pluralism of the information sector and the development of the media.”
The agreement also re-affirmed the vital role of the media during electioneering periods in providing fair access to all political parties, candidates, and groups, which is critical in ensuring inclusive, competitive, free and fair elections.
The agreement also emphasized being conscious of the positive interest of ECOWAS and the entire international community in accompanying Liberia in the conduct of peaceful and credible elections that meet international standards, and whose results are acceptable to the generality of Liberians.
“That we shall continue to ensure that electorates in Liberia are well-informed through robust voter education and dissemination of messages using our platforms, to ensure that citizens understand candidates/political parties’ manifestoes, campaigns, and polling day procedures in the October 10, 2023 General Elections in Liberia,” the media practitioners added.
“We express profound gratitude to the ECOWAS Commission, the Office of the Resident Representative of the President of ECOWAS Commission in Liberia, and GIZ/EPSAO for organizing this meeting, which was aimed at enhancing peer-learning and exchange of experiences with media practitioners from other ECOWAS Member States, for the benefit of deepening the Liberia media practitioners’ knowledge and skills as key actors in promoting participatory democracy in Liberia,” they concluded.
Earlier, the Resident Representative of ECOWAS Commission, Josephine Nkrumah, described the Liberian media as the gatekeepers of information, which play a vital role in countering misinformation and disinformation, in promoting critical thinking, by setting the agenda for informed, engaged, and discerning civic discourse.
Opening the two -day training, she noted that media practitioners must hold those in power accountable noting, “As practitioners, you have the power to rightly inform and educate the public, to minimize the spread of fake news and hate speeches, to hold those in power accountable, and to promote critical thinking by setting the agenda for informed, engaged, and discerning civic discourse.”
She furthered that, “The workshop presents an important opportunity for us to come together and discuss how to collaboratively work to counter mal-information, misinformation, and disinformation in elections, as we recognize the pivotal role the media play in shaping public opinion, and fostering democratic processes, particularly in creating the conducive environments and conditions necessary for violent-free, inclusive, transparent, free, fair, and credible elections.”
“Going into the elections, Liberia is faced with social and political issues, arising from challenges of obtaining reliable information about the elections and their processes,” she noted.
She added that the media are expected to play a crucial role in bridging these gaps by ensuring equitable representation and fair coverage of all political activities and actors, devoid of misinformation, disinformation, hate speeches, incendiary statements, and incitements to violence.
“In addition, it is important that the media use their platforms to provide voters with essential information about the candidates, political parties, and their manifestos and programs, as well as election procedures and access to accurate and timely information crucial for citizens to make informed choices, and thus actively participate in the democratic process of electing leadership,” she emphasized.
She noted that the media will help to promote social cohesion, foster understanding, and counter divisive narratives during electioneering periods, adding that the importance of the media, in this regard, can therefore not be overemphasized, as it is core to the electoral processes of every democracy.
She maintained that the two-day workshop marks another milestone in our collective efforts to strengthen the integrity and effectiveness of election reporting. “We have gathered here to foster dialogue, share insights, and collaborate on strategies that will enable us to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by the upcoming elections.
Giving the overview of the training, the Head of Political Affairs, Ebenezer Ofosu Asiedu, as part of ECOWAS’ assistance to Liberia, said as Liberia prepares to hold crucial elections, an Exploratory Mission and Joint ECOWAS-AU Fact-Finding Missions were undertaken to Liberia from February 17-18, 2023 and July 23-29, respectively.
He noted that the two Missions, among others, identified concerns of political actors in fostering consensus on issues emanating from the electoral process, particularly on issues of fake news, misinformation and disinformation, and how to deal with same.
As a follow-up to these Missions, and in keeping with the need to strengthen the capacity and role of key actors involved in the electoral process in Liberia, the ECOWAS Commission is undertaking this particular activity.
He noted, “We note that the Media and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) remain major actors in promoting active participation of citizens to enhance participatory democracy and inclusive governance.” and the Media are expected to keep citizens engaged in the business of governance by informing, educating, and mobilizing them to support and promote the entrenchment of democratic values and principles.
According to him, the overall objective of the intervention is to enhance the capacity and role of the Media and CSOs in promoting transparency, inclusivity, and credibility in the conduct of the elections, as a measure of consolidating democracy, ensuring peace and stability in Liberia.
He continued that the CSOs, by the nature of their closeness with and their representation of the aspirations of the citizenry, also play several roles in helping to improve the environment for meaningful policy engagement and promoting inclusive governance, characterized by the principles of accountability, transparency, and participation.
