INEC Urges Journalists to Promote Factual and Impartial Reporting Ahead of Elections
As Nigeria prepares for its upcoming elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on journalists to ensure that their reporting of the electoral process is factual, impartial, and free from bias. According to INEC, the spread of misinformation can incite unnecessary tension and violence, and therefore, it is crucial that journalists verify any information before disseminating it to the public.
Sam Olumekun, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, emphasized the importance of the media in promoting democracy and ensuring a free and fair election. “The media is essential to democracy, and a democratic election is impossible without the media,” he said.
Olumekun, who was represented by Ondo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, during a forum for journalists, further stressed the need for balanced coverage of all political parties and candidates. “By upholding the highest standards of professionalism, you can play a key role in curbing the spread of fake news and ensuring that the public receives accurate and credible information,” he advised.
In preparation for the elections, INEC has put in place measures to ensure the smooth collection of Permanent Voter Cards in its offices across the 18 local council areas of the state. The collection process will kick off on Wednesday and will close on October 29.
Mr Biodun Amosun, Administrative Secretary of the electoral body in the state, disclosed that the Commission has put in place robust measures to ensure a free, fair, transparent, and credible election. He urged journalists to cooperate with INEC to achieve this goal, saying, “We aim to guarantee a free, fair, transparent, and credible election, and your cooperation is essential to achieving this goal.”
INEC organized a workshop for journalists to equip them with comprehensive information on the guidelines, processes, and procedures that will govern the upcoming election. The Commission is counting on the media to help educate the public on the importance of peaceful participation in the electoral process.
