Douala: Media practitioners urged to strengthen capacity on electoral process.

The call was made during a capacity-building workshop held in Douala. The workshop was organised civic led organization, 'Un Monde Avenir'.

It was organised as part of a project aimed at reinforcing civil society participation in democratic processes and elections in the country.

The one-day training session, which took place Friday February 27, brought together media practitioners from different outlets in the Littoral Region.

The workshop forms part of a project titled: “Strengthening the Participation of Civil Society in the Democratic System and the Electoral Process in Cameroon”.

During the session, participants examined key issues related to electoral coverage, including the concepts of free and transparent elections, the collection and processing of information during election periods, and the role of the media in electoral processes.

Trainers emphasised that the media plays a critical role in strengthening democracy by providing accurate information and educating citizens on their rights and responsibilities during elections.

Discussions also focused on the importance of understanding the fundamental concepts that underpin democracy, such as the state, sovereignty, citizenship and the relationship between citizens and public authorities.

According to facilitators, democracy cannot function effectively without a well-informed population and responsible media capable of guiding public debate through credible reporting.

Responsible electoral reporting

Speaking during the workshop, the Director of Un Monde Avenir, Philippe Nanga, said the initiative seeks to equip journalists with the knowledge required to better understand electoral processes and the stakes involved.

Nanga noted that the organisation considers the media a key partner in the promotion of democracy and transparent elections.

According to him, without the active involvement of the media, efforts to guarantee credible elections may have limited impact.

“The media has a major influence on the orientation of public opinion because many citizens make their political choices based on information they receive through the press, television or radio,” he explained.

He added that the workshop also aimed to remind journalists of the need to master electoral laws, understand political issues and avoid practices that could negatively influence democratic processes.

Participants were also encouraged to educate the public on the importance of participating in elections, particularly voter registration and civic engagement.

Nanga observed that many citizens often doubt the value of their vote or refrain from participating in elections due to a lack of information.

He stressed that journalists therefore have a duty to help bridge the information gap by explaining electoral processes and encouraging citizens to make informed choices.

Sharing experiences…

The training adopted an interactive format, enabling participants to exchange experiences and discuss challenges faced while covering elections in Cameroon.

Senior journalists shared practical experiences with younger colleagues, highlighting the ethical standards required during electoral reporting.

Facilitators stressed that transparency and accountability in elections depend largely on the quality of information available to the public.

They also warned against misinformation and emphasised the importance of fact-checking, balanced reporting and professionalism during election periods.

One of the participants, journalist Elise Tcheunkam, described the workshop as an important learning opportunity for media practitioners.

She said journalists constantly seek knowledge to improve the quality of information they provide to audiences. According to her, the training helped participants better understand the complexities surrounding elections and the need to verify facts before publishing.

“We must always ensure that the information we give to our readers and listeners is accurate, especially during electoral periods when several factors can influence public opinion,” she said.

Officials of Un Monde Avenir expressed satisfaction with the level of participation and discussions during the workshop, noting that such initiatives remain essential for strengthening democracy and promoting credible elections in the country.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3726 of Monday March 09, 2026