GANTA, Oct. 22 (LINA) – More than 50 journalists from seven counties are undergoing a two-day media training ihbn election coverage, understanding campaign procedures and offenses.
The training being held at a local hotel in Ganta, brought together journalists from: Lofa, Maryland, Montserrado, Grand Gedeh, Bong, River Gee and Nimba counties.
The ongoing training, according to the Director of Communications at the National Elections Commission (NEC), Henry Flomo, is the second in this category following another which was held in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County from the 19-20 October.
The first phase of the NEC/UNDP training was held in Gbarnga, Bong County; Buchanan, Grand Bassa County and Tubmanburg, Bomi County, where journalists acquired knowledge in understanding the Voter Roll Update process and procedures.
Speaking at the start of the training in Ganta, Mr. Flomo said participants will be drilled through many important topics by election experts from the NEC to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to professionally report on the upcoming Special Senatorial Election and future elections.
The NEC Communications Director challenged participants to see the training as an interactive exercise meant to enhance the already existing knowledge and skills of the participants.
According to Flomo, the only way journalists, whom he described as “guard dogs,” can adequately inform the public about the workings of the NEC is when they (journalists) acquire the necessary information and knowledge about the workings of NEC.
He challenged journalists to make use of every knowledge gained from the training, adding: “It will put you in a better position to inform our people and, by so doing, you will gain their admiration and trust.”
The NEC official also challenged journalists to make use of the NEC information department that is available and always prepared to give out information to the public through the media.
In remarks, the President of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), Mr. Charles Cuffey, lauded the NEC and the United Nations Development Program for taking the initiative to train Liberian journalists, especially on election matters which, he noted, sets the stage for the enhancement of the country’s democracy.
Mr. Cuffey challenged journalists to make maximum use of the training by remaining focused throughout and asking all the necessary questions to clear doubts about the NEC and elections.
The training kicked off on Thursday, October 22, and ends the following day.
