WES Minister Urges Journalists to Report Accurately Ahead of Elections
By Jackson Gaaniko
The Minister of Information and Communication for Western Equatoria State, Hon. Isaac Mursal Timon, has issued a passionate plea to journalists in the region, calling for impartiality and accuracy in their reporting as the country gears up for the upcoming elections. Minister Timon stressed the critical need for unbiased journalism and urged media personnel to refrain from taking sides.
Gathering at the Tourist Hotel in Yambio, journalists representing various media outlets in the region participated in a two-day training session focused on electoral reporting. Operating under the theme “Strengthening Journalists’ Capacities on Electoral Reporting and Access to Information,” the training aimed to equip reporters with the necessary skills to cover the electoral process effectively.
Minister Timon underscored the importance of conducting thorough investigations before disseminating news stories. He cautioned against journalistic bias and emphasized the significance of neutral and factual reporting, particularly in the lead-up to the elections.
During the inaugural session, Mr. Christopher Gaaniko Ginaba, Chairman of the Union of Journalists in Western Equatoria State, expressed gratitude to UJOSS and UNESCO for their unwavering commitment to elevating journalism standards in the region. The comprehensive training program is set to extend to all ten states in South Sudan, ensuring broad coverage and adherence to journalistic best practices.
Vice President Mrs. Ajak Ater reiterated the value of initiatives aimed at enhancing journalists’ proficiency in electoral reporting and facilitating greater access to information. As the nation approaches a pivotal election period, responsible and accurate journalism stands as a pillar of democracy.
The training session saw over 30 freelancers, reporters, and journalists from diverse media outlets in Western Equatoria State, Yambio, coming together to enhance their skills and reinforce their commitment to delivering fair and transparent coverage of the electoral process.
