By Madrama James
King News 06th September Juba- Journalists in Central Equatoria State are sharpening their electoral reporting skills at a workshop held Wednesday at the Crown Hotel in Juba. The training aims to enhance transparent, informed election coverage and reinforce the press’s role as a cornerstone of democracy.
In his opening remarks, Buga Alex, the State Coordinator for the Union of Journalists in South Sudan, encouraged participants to seize the training opportunity. He emphasized that improving the quality of their reporting would enhance coverage and strengthen the communities they serve.
“Let us seize such training opportunities and make good use of them not only by sitting here and making friendships but also by knowing something that can change you. Changing you means you’re changing the community that you come from; you’re changing this nation. Whenever you have reported, it has changed the situation in this country.” He added.
Buga Alex, the State Coordinator for the Union of Journalists in South Sudan giving his remarks during the training
With support from UNESCO and its partners, the Union of Journalists in South Sudan organized electoral reporting and journalism training for journalists from the six counties of Central Equatoria State.
Vice President of the Union of Journalists in South Sudan, Ayak Ajak Ater, emphasized that journalists must acquire the necessary skills for accurate reporting ahead of the anticipated December 2024 general elections.
Vice President of the Union of Journalists in South Sudan (UJoSS), Ayak Ajak Ater speaking during the training in Juba
“Because according to the Revitalized Peace Agreement, 22nd December 2024 is for the conduct of our general election. Therefore, doubts around the general elections are not our responsibility, but it is very important for us journalists to be ready for accurate passage of information. I am urging journalists in Central Equatoria State to be well equipped with the necessary knowledge. ”
Meanwhile, UNESCO’s Country Director, Julius Banda, emphasized the protection of media freedoms as the bedrock of a democratic society.
“Democracy and free media have a special relationship, and they need each other. For instance, free media would help keep the elections honest and democratic. And a democratically elected government will protect the media freedoms. Freedom is when people can speak, and democracy is when the government listens. The media is the messenger. Informed citizens who think critically can contribute to peaceful elections. Voter’s education programs should also include media and information literacy approaches. The more citizens are able to analyze information in a critical manner, the less prone they would be to share fortified information.” Said Julius
UNESCO’s Country Director, Julius Banda, giving his opening of the training at the Crown Hotel on Wednesday in Juba.
The two-day training aimed at providing journalists with the skills and knowledge necessary to report on elections and hold those in power accountable
In closing remarks, George Lemi, Spokesperson at South Sudan’s National Election Commission, urged the participants to exercise their professional code of conduct for public safety.
“Journalists should have freedom of expression and opinions, obtain the obligation to keep the voters well-informed, accurate and verifications, balance stories, neutral and, be honest, and independent as social responsibilities are on their neck.”
George Lemi, Spokesperson of South Sudan National Election Commission, during the training of Central Equatoria State Journalists at Crown Hotel in Juba
The signatories of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement have agreed to hold general elections in December 2024.
However, in August 2024, Abednego Akok Kacuol, Chairperson of the National Elections Commission, stated that elections would only be feasible if the Elections Act is amended by parliament or if sufficient resources are allocated to conduct the necessary activities within the established timeline.