By: Mariama Njie
Gambia Press Union has held two-day training for personnel of the security forces and officials of the Independent Electoral Commission on access to information, aimed to improve transparency and accountability in electoral processes.
The training program was held at the Baobab Resort, Bijilo.
The training came as the country is nine months away to presidential elections.
Speaking at the event, Sheriff Bojang Junior, GPU President said the training is part of GPU’s project to promote transparency and accountability in election, especially access to information.
“We feel that the security forces and Independent Electoral Commission are key stakeholders in our electoral cycle, this is an election year and the citizens in their quest to make inform choices would have benefit from transparency and accountability throughout the entire process,” he said.
In dealing with transparency and accountability, he said there is always a security force between those who informed the journalists. “There will be security forces all over the places which is why the Union deemed it necessary to bring security forces onboard, this is the first face there will be other trainings as we move towards the election but we feel that all these training put together will empower people and broaden the understanding of different stakeholders. This in relations to accountability because unless we have accountability in the election cycle,” he said.
He continued that the Gambia press union organized the training in order to help stakeholders and promote uphold accountability and transparency during election.
Alieu Momour Njai, chairman of Independent Electoral Commission, highlighted the IEC media rules on election reporting as that “will provide some practical guidelines to journalists in helping them meet professional standards.”
“Journalists are expected to report fairly on all candidates while upholding professional standards and media ethics. The commission will collaborate with all stakeholders in the electoral process and we are committed to promoting free and fair elections based on democratic principles whiles opening door to provide access to information to all those who need it,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sireh Jabang, deputy commissioner of police also commended GPU for organizing two-day training, saying the assurance of impartial security during an electoral process is essential to retaining the participant’s confidence and commitment to election.
She assured GPU transparency and accountability noting that security is prevalent in the electoral processes and they have recognized the fact that it can affect the legitimacy of the electoral outcome.