LG Elections: PLASIEC Builds Capacity of Media Practitioners for Optimal Coverage

The Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission, PLASIEC, has built the capacity of Media Practitioners in the state as critical stakeholders ahead of the October 9th, 2024 local government elections in the state.

Declaring open the workshop which was held at Banquet Hall of Crest Hotel in Jos, Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Plangji Cishak, said the media are integral component of the Commission that can give adequate information on the election processes to the public that will the ensure success of the exercise.

He appreciated the participants for partnering with them through the process to ensure a hitch free exercise.

“It is our desire that in the course of this workshop, you will be gingered, you will also bring to fore your wealth of experiences for us to galvanize and see to it that the election is not only credible but that people will turn out massively and do it peacefully.

“This is a sensitive period for us, and I urge you to assist PLASIEC in ensuring that your reportage are not something that will cause conflict.” He added.

In a presentation on the topic, “An overview of the local government elections: understanding the PLASIEC Law (As Amended), the local government elections guidelines 2024 and the processes”, Barrister Plangnan Fwomdak also underscore the key role of the media in elections processes hence, their reports should be verifiable and accurate.

She said the media have a pivotal role of sensitizing citizens on the civic right and the need to take part in governance.

She quoted Article 21 of the Universal Declaration of Human Right (UBHR), that says, “The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.”

She also cited section 77 of the 1999 Nigeria Constitution as amended, that guarantee the right of citizens to vote and be voted for as she also explained some key components of the 2024 amended PLASIEC Laws which includes Oath taking by adhoc staff through the signing of oath of neutrality form as an affidavit.

Prof. Sarah Lwahas from the Department of Mass Communication, University of Jos, while making presentation on the role of Journalists in ensuring peaceful conduct of the local government elections, said the media provides scrutiny and holds discuss as watchdog of the society.

She said journalists need to understand the electoral processes, history of elections in the state and country and to engage the electorates to know their level of readiness.

Mr. Kenneth Dakop who spoke on fake news, misinformation and its implications for the Sustainability of peace in Plateau State, cautioned the media practitioners on giving out unverified information to the public as it has gross implication.

The capacity building workshop with the theme, “The role of Journalists in the coverage of local government elections: prospectives and expectations” brought media practitioners from both traditional media and new media.