EIN Network Organizes Electoral Awareness Forum for Journalists in Diwaniyah as Part of the "Democracy and Transparency" Project

Diwaniyah – Wednesday, June 18, 2025

As part of the "Democracy and Transparency: Empowering Civic Participation and Media Freedom" project, and with the support of the European Union, the EIN Network for Election Monitoring and Democracy organized an electoral awareness forum for journalists in Diwaniyah province. The forum was held in partnership with the Shams and Tammuz Networks, and in coordination with the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC).

The event took place at the Iraqi Teachers Syndicate Hall – Diwaniyah Branch, and witnessed active participation from a number of journalists representing various local media outlets.

The forum opened with a welcoming speech by EIN Network, which emphasized the vital role of the media in enhancing electoral participation in the upcoming phase. The speech highlighted the importance of encouraging citizens to update their voter information and strengthening trust in the institutions responsible for organizing the electoral process.

The forum featured speeches and interventions by several official and media figures, including a representative of IHEC in Diwaniyah, members of the Teachers Syndicate, Mr. Iyad Al-Mayyali, Head of the NGO Department, Mr. Salem Al-Budairi, NGO Coordinator, the Director of the Human Rights Office in the province, Mr. Issa Al-Kaabi, Director of Diwaniyah Radio, along with representatives from the Media and Communications Commission and Al Iraqiya Channel. The speakers stressed the importance of joint media coordination in raising community awareness about the upcoming electoral events.

The forum’s discussion sessions addressed key challenges related to updating the voter register, and included a proposal to form a joint media committee between journalists and IHEC to streamline media procedures and overcome obstacles. Participants also discussed ways to counter disinformation and enhance transparency and professionalism in election coverage.

The forum concluded with an open discussion session, during which journalists exchanged views on their roles and responsibilities in the upcoming electoral period, reaffirming their commitment to reporting with professionalism and contributing to the creation of a fair and informed electoral environment.