By Gabriel M C Parker
BUCHANAN, Liberia– The National Elections Commission (NEC), in partnership with the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) and with support from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), has launched a three-day Media and Security Engagement in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County.
The event, which commenced on January 5th, 2025, aims to foster better collaboration between media and security institutions in the lead-up to Liberia’s upcoming elections.
The engagement brought together more than fifty media practitioners and security personnel from across Liberia, including those from Bomi, Gbarpolu, River Cess, Sinoe, and host county Grand Bassa.
This collaborative effort is part of the Liberia Electoral Support Project (LESP).
In his remarks at the opening ceremony, Anthony Sengbeh, Executive Director and Head of Secretariat at the National Elections Commission, emphasized the importance of both media and security institutions as key stakeholders in Liberia’s electoral process.
“The role of the media and security forces is central to the success of our elections. Their involvement ensures transparency and credibility, which are the pillars of a free and fair election,” Mr. Sengbeh stated.
He underscored that the Media-Security Conference is designed to enhance cooperation and trust between the two sectors, which is critical to ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.
The NEC official highlighted that the event would focus on strengthening the relationship between media and security forces, thereby creating an environment of transparency and public trust.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police, Augustine Browne, spoke on behalf of the joint security institutions present at the event. He outlined the critical role security institutions play before, during, and after the elections. “National security forces have a duty to protect the safety and well-being of all citizens, including during the electoral process. It is our responsibility to ensure a peaceful and secure environment for voters and election officials,” Browne explained.
Mr. Browne also pointed out that the roles of the media and security institutions are complementary. “While the media ensures transparency by reporting on the electoral process, security institutions ensure that peace and order are maintained. Both institutions must collaborate closely to ensure the integrity of our democracy,” he said.
The three-day event aims to enhance communication between the two groups, ensuring that both media professionals and security personnel are well-equipped to handle their respective roles during the election season.
It is expected to promote mutual understanding, trust, and collaboration, with the goal of contributing to free, fair, and credible elections in Liberia.
Participants have been engaged in various discussions, including the challenges both media and security officers face during elections and the best practices for addressing them. Topics such as election reporting, security protocols, and the ethical responsibilities of both sectors have been highlighted throughout the sessions.
Over the course of the event, attendees will also participate in practical exercises designed to foster collaboration in real-world election scenarios.
The aim is for both media and security practitioners to leave the conference with a deeper understanding of each other’s roles and how to effectively work together in the election period.
The Media and Security Engagement in Buchanan will conclude on Wednesday, January 7th, 2025, with a series of recommendations and action points aimed at strengthening the partnership between the two sectors ahead of the elections.