Duhok – July 21, 2025
Ein Network for Election and Democracy Monitoring organized a media forum in Duhok governorate as part of the activities of the project "Democracy and Transparency: Empowering Civic Participation and Freedom of the Press", in partnership with the Tammuz and Shams networks, and in coordination with the Duhok office of the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC).
The forum was attended by more than 75 journalists and media representatives, as well as the director and members of the IHEC office in Duhok. The event also received extensive media coverage from both Iraqi and Kurdistan regional satellite channels.
The forum focused on discussing key issues related to the upcoming electoral process and the essential role media plays in supporting democratic development and ensuring the success of elections. Discussions included the launch of the electoral media campaign and the need to intensify public awareness efforts to encourage voter participation, as well as the importance of monitoring and addressing hate speech targeting certain candidates, and ensuring media outlets adhere to professionalism and neutrality in their electoral coverage.
Participants also discussed the role of local media in combating misinformation and disinformation that could affect the integrity of the elections. They emphasized the need to strengthen coordination between media institutions, the electoral commission, and civil society organizations to ensure fair and transparent media coverage. The forum also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the media, universities, and the journalists' syndicate in conducting studies and surveys that support the electoral process and enhance public awareness.
At the conclusion of the forum, attendees stressed the importance of continuing such dialogue sessions, as they contribute to empowering media professionals in fulfilling their role and building trust between citizens and the institutions responsible for managing the electoral process.
