SOLJA Opens five days Orientation workshop on the role of media in Electoral Process for 25 journalists in Burao

Somaliland Journalist Association “SOLJA” this week opened a five days orientation workshop on the role of media in electoral process for 25 journalists drawn Togdheer , Buuhoodle, Daadmareh and Saraar regions in Burao town.

Mr. Mahmoud Abdi Jama, the Chairman of Somaliland Journalist Association “SOLJA” speaking during the opening ceremony said, “The main objectives of the five days’ workshop was to sensitize journalists on ethical principles guiding election reporting and coverage; strengthen the capacity of journalists to monitor elections and report them effectively; and ensure adherence to professionalism as a deliberate means of entrenching democracy and good governance in Somaliland.

The Chairman of Somaliland Journalist Association “SOLJA” declared the workshop open said that the workshop was very apt considering the current political/democratic dispensation in the country.

The workshop had in attendance 25 participants consisting of journalists drawn from both the print and broadcast media organizations in the Togdheer , Buuhoodle, Daadmareh and Saraar regions.

In line with its objectives, the workshop featured presentations, practical discussions and interactive sessions on the relevant issues of the upcoming Presidential and Parliamentary elections coverage and reportage.

The Five days’ workshop facilitated by Somaliland Journalism Association “SOLJA” and was funded by Untied States of America mission for Somaliland/Somalia.

The media are essential to democracy, and a democratic election is impossible without media. A free and fair election is not only about the freedom to vote and the knowledge of how to cast a vote, but also about a participatory process where voters engage in public debate and have adequate information about parties, policies, candidates and the election process itself in order to make informed choices. Furthermore, media acts as a crucial watchdog to democratic elections, safeguarding the transparency of the process.