Home 9 Media and elections 9 Local government election reporting workshop 2017

Local government election reporting workshop 2017

22 Sep, 2017
MISA Lesotho trained 42 journalists to cover local government elections, which were held in Lesotho in September 2017

To contribute to transparent, accountable and credible holding of local government elections as tenants of peace and stability, MISA Lesotho trained 42 journalists to cover local government elections held in Lesotho on 30th September, 2017.

The training was held immediately before the elections.

The content was guided by the local government act and the media code along with relevant, media/related issues in electoral reporting. The training content was designed to help journalists appreciate the importance of effective reporting about the local government system beyond local government elections.

It was generally agreed that the media need go beyond reporting to education that influences people’s attitudes and behaviour on various life issues.

At the end of the training, participants were empowered to report on the electoral process in a manner that add value and credibility to the elections results thereby contributing to maintenance of peace in Lesotho.

Specific objectives

The following are three objectives that this project was designed to achieve;

  • Build the capacity of journalists on reporting local government elections
  • Contribute to transparent, accountable and credible holding of local government elections as tenants of peace and stability that elections should bring about
  • Ensure quality reportage of local government elections to promote the electorate’s confidence in the results

Expected results

The expected results of this project were:

  1. The training of 40 journalists representing print and electronic media in Lesotho
  2. A two-day residential training
  3. A wide media coverage of September 30 local government election in Lesotho

About MISA

The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) was founded in 1992. Its work focuses on promoting, and advocating for, the unhindered enjoyment of freedom of expression, access to information and a free, independent, diverse and pluralistic media.

Share this

Related news

Gender sensitive reporting under spotlight

Gender sensitive reporting under spotlight

By Maleshoane Ratsebe Sonke Gender Justice, in collaboration with MISA Lesotho, has held a two-day capacity-building workshop on gender sensitive reporting for 16 journalists at ‘Melesi lodge in Thaba-Bosiu last month. Sonke Gender Justice is a non profit organization...

Statement against Commissioner of Police’s attempt to gag media

Statement against Commissioner of Police’s attempt to gag media

MISA-Lesotho is deeply concerned and unequivocally condemns the recent statement made by then Acting Commissioner of Police, Dr Mahlape Morai, regarding the media’s coverage of certain Famo music groups. Dr Morai declared these groups as subversive and illegal,...