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Momodou
Denmark
11750 Posts |
 Posted - 18 Jan 2007 : 15:00:10
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JOURNALISTS TRAINED, ON ELECTION COVERAGE
By Annia Gaye
Barely some days before the 25th January National Assembly Elections, more than 35 journalists drawn from various newspapers are currently attending a three day training workshop on election coverage. The workshop started on 15th January and ends today at the Gambia Pastoral Institution (GPI). It is organised by The Gambia Press Union and sponsored by the US Embassy in The Gamiba.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the President of The Gambia Press Union, Mr. Madi Ceesay, said that the training is the second of its kind to be held for journalists noting that they are very crucial in the electoral process. He further stated that the GPU is very much concerned about building the capacity of their members in all areas including election coverage at peak periods.
He said that the expression of the views of people through the vote at genuine, democratic elections is the basis of authority of any democratic government. Mr. Ceesay further noted the importance of the provision of information by the mass communication media to voters which is essential in helping the voter make an informed choice; that the proper, objective and balanced media information is relevant to electoral choices and crucial to achieving free and fair democratic elections.
He mentioned the impossibility of having a democracy in a country without genuine elections, noting that democratic governance requires an active and informed citizenry. He said the media plays a vital role in providing citizens with the information they needed to exercise their rights and for them to take part in governmental and public affairs.
Mr. Ceesay said that such media training can produce knowledge, skills and network. He finally urged journalist to take the training seriously and be fair when they inform and educate the voters in order for them to make an informed choice." "You must not be seen to side with any particular politician or party, he advised participants." He thanked the US Embassy for giving support to the media and urged them to continue their support.
The US Ambassador, Joseph Stafford, expressed his delight in sponsoring the training and said they consider GPU as an important institution partner in promoting a free, responsible and professional press in The Gambia. He noted that this initiative is part of the US promotion of democracy and Human Rights globally. He added that coverage of National Assembly elections is a key event in the country's democratic evolutions.
Kojo Janka, the Director of The African institute of Journalism and Communication, from Ghana, said the media plays a crucial role in disseminating information to the people.
Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No.007/2007, 17-18 January, 2007
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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