NICE Urges Journalists to be Objective in Election Coverage
NICE is implementing the "Boma Lathu Project" with 33.6 million kwacha in support from the European Union and Malawi government from April 2024 to March 2025.
NSANJE, Malawi — The National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Public Trust has called on journalists to maintain objectivity when covering Malawi's upcoming general elections to ensure they are free, fair and credible, writes Cornelius Lupenga.
"The media has an essential role to play in all the processes – before, during and after the elections," said Kondwani Malunga, NICE District Program Officer for Nsanje, on Wednesday.
He spoke at a media orientation on "Support for Notable Investigative Reporting to Encourage Citizens to Demand Transparency and Accountability."
Malunga said the media is an instrumental tool for disseminating information to the masses.
NICE will be providing voter and civic education, so working with the media is crucial to reach communities, he added.
The DPO also challenged reporters to unearth problems facing communities in their areas so duty bearers can act on them.
Earlier, Senior Chief Tengani, chairperson of the Nsanje District Advisory Forum, emphasized the need for professional and ethical journalism, noting the risks involved in the profession.
"Always remember to balance your stories to avoid being unprofessional," Tengani told journalists, urging them to refrain from using opinions in reporting.
Timveni Radio Nsanje Bureau Chief Chilenje Chilenje said the training was timely ahead of next year's general elections in September.
NICE is implementing the "Boma Lathu Project" with 33.6 million kwacha in support from the European Union and Malawi government from April 2024 to March 2025.