Journalists call for media funding in voter education plans

The president of the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) has urged the National Elections Commission (NEC) and its partners to include funding for media houses in voter education plans.

Oyet Patrick Charles made the appeal during a NEC workshop for journalists on civic and voter education under the theme “Mainstreaming journalists on electoral processes” on Monday. He said radio stations, newspapers and television broadcasters need support to share election information with the public.

“I appreciate NEC for inviting us here. This will be the first election that many of us will cover, and we need knowledge. There is a lot of expectation from us to provide information, but sometimes we do not have it. So, coming together like this is important for us to learn what is happening at NEC so that we can provide accurate information,” he said. “Many times institutions do ot think and plan for journalists; they only remember journalists when they want functions to be covered. So, I appreciate NEC for planning for journalists and giving them information that they require to do their work.”

He suggested that NEC ask its partners, including JICA and UN agencies, to help pay for airtime and newspaper space for voter education.

“Going forward, I would like to request NEC not to stop at giving us information to do our work and how we should cover the elections, but also to look for resources for journalists and media houses,” he added.

Oyet said journalists would be expected to report on NEC announcements before the election, voting and turnout on election day, and results and disputes afterward. However, he added that media houses need resources to carry out this work.

He welcomed the workshop, saying journalists need accurate information about the electoral process to inform the public adequately. He said many reporters would be covering an election for the first time.

NEC Commissioner George Lemi, who is in charge of media and communication, said accurate, balanced, and responsible reporting could support peaceful participation and build confidence in the electoral process.

“The media plays a critical role in promoting public awareness, transparency, accountability, and peaceful participation throughout the electoral process,” he said. “As journalists, you are not only a source of information, but also key partners in ensuring that citizens receive accurate and balanced information to build confidence in the electoral process.”

Lemi encouraged all participants to share their experiences during the workshop.

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