Basra 10/7– Ein Network for Election and Democracy Monitoring organized a dialogue forum for journalists in Basra Governorate, as part of the activities of the project "Democracy and Transparency: Empowering Civic Engagement and Freedom of the Media", funded by the European Union, in cooperation with the Norwegian People's Aid (NPA), and in partnership with the Tammuz and Shams networks.
The forum was attended by a number of local media representatives, along with members of the Basra office of the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC). Participants discussed several issues related to the upcoming electoral process and the crucial role of media in ensuring a successful democratic experience.
Key topics addressed during the forum included the launch of the electoral media campaign, the need to intensify awareness efforts to encourage active citizen participation, and the importance of monitoring and combating hate speech targeting candidates. The forum also emphasized the need for media outlets to adhere to professionalism and neutrality in their election coverage.
Participants further explored the role of local media in combating misinformation and rumors that could undermine the integrity of the elections. They recommended strengthening coordination between media institutions, the Electoral Commission, and civil society organizations to ensure fair and transparent coverage.
In conclusion, attendees stressed the importance of continuing such dialogue forums to empower journalists in their oversight and awareness-raising roles, thereby fostering public trust in state institutions and supporting transparent and inclusive elections.
