Africa-Press – Liberia. Key stakeholders in Liberia’s electoral process have called for stronger media–security relations, underscoring the essential roles of both journalists and law enforcement in safeguarding election integrity.
The call was made at the opening of a three-day regional media–security conference in Zwedru, organized to foster dialogue and collaboration between the media and security sectors in the electoral process.
The event brings together representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the National Elections Commission (NEC), the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), and the Liberia National Police (LNP).
In his opening remarks, PUL President Julius Kanubah emphasized that the media and security are foundational pillars in the conduct, protection, and impartial coverage of elections.
He stressed that constructive engagement between these two sectors is in the public and national interest, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the electoral process.
Roosevelt Zayzay, Program Officer of the Liberia Electoral Support Project at UNDP, highlighted that cordial relations between the media and law enforcement are indispensable for credible elections.
He said that without mutual understanding and cooperation, the integrity of the electoral process can be compromised.
NEC’s Director of Training/Procedures, Atty. James S. B. Wallace, called for ongoing coordination between the media and security agencies to guarantee peaceful and credible elections. He noted that open communication and partnership are vital for building public confidence.
Deputy Commissioner of Police and Head of the West African Police Information System (WAPIS) at the LNP, Augustine Browne, underscored the importance of mutual respect between journalists and law enforcement officers.
He remarked that such respect is the foundation for effective collaboration, especially during sensitive periods such as elections.
The Zwedru conference aims to review and strengthen the 2022 Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that guides journalists and security personnel during the electoral process.
The gathering marks the first of three regional workshops, drawing 46 participants from Maryland and the counties of Grand Kru, River Gee, and Grand Gedeh.
Subsequent phases of the conference will convene in Ganta, Nimba County, and Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, with journalists and security personnel from an additional eleven counties participating.
Supported by the European Union, IrishAid and Sweden, the initiative reflects a nationwide commitment to fostering peaceful, credible, and transparent elections through enhanced collaboration between media and security under the Liberia Electoral Support Project, managed by the UNDP.
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