The National Electoral Commission (NEC) and the South Sudan Media Authority have urged journalists to uphold professionalism, accuracy and press freed...
The National Electoral Commission (NEC) and the South Sudan Media Authority have urged journalists to uphold professionalism, accuracy and press freedom in covering the country’s general elections scheduled for December 2026.The call was made on Thursday during a training workshop on election reporting organised by the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS).Speaking during the workshop, NEC Chairperson Gabriel Bol Deng Majok urged journalists to verify information before publication to prevent misinformation and ensure the public receives accurate information about the electoral process.He said journalists have a responsibility to provide balanced, credible and timely reports to help citizens understand developments surrounding the elections.“Journalists should avoid misinformation, verify information and report election-related issues accurately and professionally,” Majok said.Managing Director of the South Sudan Media Authority, Ajou Luol Akuei, encouraged journalists to begin reporting on ongoing electoral preparations, including the distribution of voter registration materials, to keep the public informed about progress towards the elections.He said media coverage of the preparations would help citizens understand the electoral process and recognise the steps being taken ahead of the polls.Meanwhile, UJOSS President Oyet Patrick Charles described election reporting as a critical responsibility of journalists, emphasising the need to uphold professional standards, accuracy and press freedom throughout the electoral process.Charles said the union would continue working closely with the NEC to ensure journalists have access to reliable and timely information on electoral preparations and the conduct of the elections.He added that access to accurate information from the commission was essential to enabling journalists to inform the public responsibly.The workshop comes as South Sudan intensifies preparations for its planned December 2026 general elections. Journalists are expected to play a key role in promoting transparency, informing voters and providing credible coverage of the electoral process.
0 likes
