Dhi Qar – July 26

The Ein Network for Election Monitoring and Democracy organized a dialogue forum for journalists in Dhi Qar Governorate, as part of the activities of the project "Democracy and Transparency: Empowering Civic Participation and Freedom of the Press", in partnership with Tammuz Network and Shams Network, with the support of the European Union and in cooperation with the Norwegian People’s Aid Organization.

This forum is part of a series of activities carried out by Ain Network across various provinces, aiming to enhance civic engagement and highlight the pivotal role of media in the electoral process.

The forum included an extensive discussion on the importance of broad participation in the elections, with a simplified explanation of the new electoral law, as well as awareness-raising about the stages of the electoral process — from updating the voter register to election day.

The vital role of journalists and opinion leaders in spreading a culture of participation was emphasized, along with the importance of educating the public on the consequences of abstaining from voting and how it affects the future of the democratic process and citizens' representation.

Participants stressed the need for the media to play a proactive role in monitoring the electoral process, guiding public opinion to exercise their democratic right, and contributing to a fair and transparent electoral environment.