October poll: ELECAM engages media on elections reporting.

It was under theme: “Right to information and media responsibility in the electoral process: Challenges and prospects”.

Officials said the platform was conceived as a space for dialogue between election managers and media professionals. They said the interest is to highlight the crucial role of the press in safeguarding democracy.

Practical measures to strengthen collaboration between ELECAM and the media were discussed.

Topics touched on promoting informed and responsible electoral coverage, clarifying communication channels between ELECAM and journalists, raising awareness about the dangers of misinformation and hate speech and encouraging journalists to better understand the Electoral Code and build public trust.

Veteran journalist, Prudence Chetah Bile, moderated discussions. Panelists included the Deputy Director General of Elections at ELECAM, Abdoulkarimou; Publisher of Mutation newspaper, Georges-Alain Boyomo; and a civil society actor, Dr Desmond Ngala.

Dozens of media practitioners from the print, radio, television, and online platforms took part in the exercise.

Media’s central role in democracy

Speaking at the gathering, Abdoulkarimou stressed that elections are defining moments for any democracy and the media has the power to either strengthen or weaken public trust in the process. He lauded ELECAM’s communication team for initiating the dialogue. 

“Journalists must take this period very seriously. The public is eager for information, and it is their right to receive it. ELECAM remains the most reliable source of electoral information, and our doors are always open,” Abdoulkarimou said. 

He urged journalists to embrace the Electoral Code as a work tool to better report on the election.

Call to respect basics of journalism

The debate also touched on the ethical dilemmas facing journalists during elections. Georges-Alain Boyomo highlighted the delicate balance between a journalist’s right to information and their responsibility to remain impartial.

“The journalist has a vast audience to inform, but that power comes with responsibility,” Boyomo observed. 

He cautioned journalists who are politically affiliated to refrain from covering the electoral process.

“If you are actively militating for a political party, it is best to step aside from reporting on elections until the process is over. This ensures credibility and prevents conflicts of interest,” he advised.

Fact-Checking, dealing with misinformation

Civil society actor, Dr Desmond Ngala, emphasized the importance of fact-checking.

Drawing parallels with the information challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, he reminded journalists that in times misinformation could have dire consequences.

“We have a civil responsibility to protect those around us. Journalists must not join the crowd of people spreading hate speech or tribalistic rhetoric,” Dr Ngala warned. 

He encouraged reporters to use their networks and address books to verify information before publishing.

“…the journalist should have the spirit of verification, no matter the source. Information must be independent, impartial, and factual, especially during elections,” he added.

Another contributor to the discussion, Albert Njie Mbonde, urged journalists to cultivate a general knowledge of the entire electoral process.

 “The Electoral Code remains the best tool for any journalist who wants to report effectively and credibly,” the Political Desk Editor of CRTV advised.

The event also provided a space for journalists to ask pressing questions and seek clarifications on complex electoral procedures. Participants expressed appreciation to ELECAM for its open-door approach.

Stakeholders agreed at the end of discussions that elections cannot be credible without a responsible media. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3553 of Wednesday September 03, 2025