By Matik Kueth and Kubako Dicklen
The Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS), in partnership with the National Elections Commission (NEC), on Friday concluded a two-day training aimed at strengthening media capacity for ethical, unbiased and inclusive reporting ahead of the December 2026 general elections.
The workshop, held in Juba under the theme “Ethical, Unbiased, and Inclusive Election Reporting,” brought together over 50 media practitioners from different media organizations to enhance their understanding of electoral laws, ethical guidelines and balanced reporting standards.
Speaking at the closing session, Gabriel Bol Deng, NEC’s Chairperson, urged journalists to uphold accuracy, fairness and independence in their reporting as the country prepares for the December 22, 2026, general elections.
He called on journalists to verify electoral information before publication, avoid hate speech and discrimination, and provide voters with clear information about the electoral process.
“As South Sudan prepares for general election scheduled December 22nd, 2026, I urge you to report accurately, fairly and independently, verify election information and result before sharing them, correct errors on time,” Deng said.
Deng emphasized the importance of inclusive reporting, urging journalists to give greater attention to women and young people, whom he identified as key groups in the electoral process.
“Make room for the voices of women and young people because, as I said yesterday, 80% of our voters will be young people and we know in our country, women are the majority,” he stated.
The NEC chair further challenged the media professionals to take an active role in educating eligible voters about their rights and responsibilities, describing their responsibility as one of helping to “educate” the population.
Oyet Patrick, President of the Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS), noted that election reporting should begin long before polling day, noting that the electoral process involves several stages that require continuous media coverage.
“Election has already started. It is not like election is only the day of casting their votes. Elections have stages, the pre-election stage, the voting stage, and also the post-election stage,” he stressed.
He appealed to journalists to provide balanced coverage of political parties, avoid misinformation and disinformation, and uphold professional and ethical standards throughout the electoral period.
Patrick also revealed that the Media Authority had developed election reporting guidelines, which are expected to be shared with journalists for further review and validation.
Meanwhile, Emmanuella Joyce, representing the participants, welcomed the training but called for more capacity-building opportunities, particularly for female journalists and media practitioners outside Juba.
She raised concerns about journalists’ safety and restrictions imposed by some political parties on media coverage, urging electoral stakeholders to address challenges that could undermine independent reporting.
“Putting security of journalists, a priority is very important. And I also call upon the stakeholders to ensure that political parties are also engaged and are well equipped on how to handle journalists,” he noted.
The training comes as South Sudan prepares for its first general elections since gaining independence in 2011, with the December 22, 2026, polls expected to test the country’s political and democratic transition.
Journalists are expected to play a critical role in informing the public, scrutinizing the electoral process and ensuring voters have access to accurate and impartial information before, during and after the elections.