MEC chairperson urges media to understand laws for fair polls
Malawi Electoral Commission hosts workshop for media practitioners to enhance understanding of electoral laws for the upcoming elections.
Mponela, Malawi — The Chairperson of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), Justice Dr. Chifundo Kachale, has urged media practitioners to understand the new electoral laws in order to help ensure free, fair, and transparent elections, writes Winston Mwale.
Kachale made the remarks during a workshop on awareness of electoral laws held in Mponela on Thursday.
He said that the media plays a vital role in disseminating information to the public and that it is important for media practitioners to be well-versed in the electoral laws so that they can accurately report on the electoral process.
"The media is a bridge between information and the public," Kachale said. "By equipping media managers with in-depth knowledge of the new electoral laws, we empower them to effectively communicate accurate and reliable information to the public."
Kachale also said that the media should start working on implementing electoral radio programmes and mass media messaging around elections.
He said that elections are a cycle and that the media should be reporting on electoral issues throughout the entire cycle, not just during specific periods.
"The media plays a crucial role in providing ongoing coverage of boundary review, the establishment of registration centres, voter registration, candidate campaigns, political debates, and polling day activities," Kachale said.
"By maintaining a sustained focus on electoral issues, we ensure that citizens are well-informed and engaged at every stage of the electoral process."
The workshop was attended by media managers and senior editorial staff from various media organisations and institutions.
The participants discussed the new electoral laws and how they will impact the upcoming elections.
The MEC is committed to working with the media to ensure that the next elections in Malawi are free, fair, and transparent.
The workshop was a step in the right direction, and the MEC hopes that it will help to build a stronger relationship between the MEC and the media.