The National Elections Commission (NEC) has called on journalists and media practitioners to verify all NEC-related information before publication to ensure accuracy and promote responsible reporting.
By D. Franklin Doloquee
Delivering remarks on the opening day of a Bridge Modular Workshop on Media and Elections in Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County, NEC Communications Director, Titus W. Tokpah Jr., said the Commission remains accessible to both the media and the public.
“Our operations are transparent, not conducted in secrecy,” Tokpah said.
He added that NEC activities are public-driven and that the Commission welcomes questions and requests for clarification.
Tokpah encouraged media professionals and information seekers to contact the NEC whenever they need explanations or confirmation, stressing that open engagement helps prevent the spread of misinformation and builds public trust in the electoral process.
The workshop, which brings together media, stakeholders and election magistrates, aims to strengthen election reporting and communication.
Day-one sessions covered the role of the media in elections, drafting communication strategies, media and democracy, mapping local media institutions and understanding professional codes of conduct.
Supporting perspective: Why verification matters
Media verification is critical during election periods when misinformation can rapidly influence public opinion and voting behavior.
In Liberia, where elections are a core component of democratic life, accurate reporting helps ensure that voters receive the facts they need to make informed choices.
“Timely and accurate information reduces confusion and increases confidence in the electoral process, ” said one workshop participant, a local editor who asked to remain anonymous.
“When the media does its job responsibly, it supports peace and stability.”
Practical steps and commitments from the workshop
Organizers said the workshop will not only provide theoretical training but also practical tools and commitments that participating journalists and election officials can implement immediately.
Establish direct NEC contact points
The Commission committed to sharing a list of official contacts and preferred channels for press queries to speed up verification.
Fact-checking checklists
Participants received a checklist designed to help reporters verify sources, cross-check statements and time-stamp official documents.
Joint media-NEC briefings
Local election magistrates and NEC communications officers plan to hold regular briefings during the electoral cycle to reduce the chance of misreporting.
Community outreach
Journalists will be encouraged to run explanatory pieces that help voters understand procedures such as voter registration, polling logistics and complaint mechanisms.
Voices from the field
Election magistrates attending the workshop noted that clearer lines of communication with the media can reduce the number of complaints and rumors that reach the NEC after polls.
“When we brief local reporters directly, it shortens the information chain and lowers the risk of distortion,” said one magistrate from Grand Bassa County.
The NEC also reiterated its commitment to transparency in handling complaints and electoral disputes, reminding stakeholders that accountability depends on both institutional openness and responsible reporting by media outlets.
What to expect next
Workshop organizers- the NEC with support from the United Nations Development Program UNDP with funding from the European Union (EU) pledged to continue with more support toward the media institutions across the country.
Meanwhile, the training concludes on today, Friday, June 19, with a closing session that will outline concrete partnership steps between the NEC, media organizations and election magistrates.
