Participants, NEC &UNDP officials, and Partners pose for a photograph following the presentation of certification at the close of a three day media and election workshop in Buchanan Grand Bassa County on June 19, 2026
By: Varnetta Johnson Freeman-FeJAL
BUCHANAN, Grand Bassa County – June 19, 2026 – The National Elections Commission (NEC), media practitioners, and development partners have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration aimed at promoting credible elections, informed citizen participation, and democratic governance in Liberia.
The commitment was made at the close of a three-day Media and Elections Workshop held in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, from June 17–19, 2026. The workshop brought together journalists from parts of Liberia, NEC officials, including Magistrates, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), the Female Journalists Association of Liberia, (FeJAL), and the Center for Media Studies and Peace Building (CEMESP) to discuss strategies for improving communications, election reporting, and strengthening public understanding of electoral processes.
Throughout the workshop, participants emphasized the critical role of the media in supporting democracy and ensuring that citizens have access to accurate and reliable information. Journalists highlighted the importance of expanding media engagement and voter education efforts in rural and underserved communities, where access to information remains limited.
Several participants noted that community radio stations continue to serve as the primary source of information for many Liberians, especially those living in remote counties. They called for increased support to local media institutions to enable them to effectively combat misinformation and provide citizens with balanced and factual reporting on electoral and governance issues.
Speaking on behalf of media practitioners, participants described the workshop as both rewarding and educational. They stressed that the training had deepened their understanding of electoral processes and reinforced their responsibility to provide accurate, fair, and professional reporting throughout the electoral cycle.
Participants also acknowledged the significant role Liberian journalists have played in advancing democratic governance since the country’s post-war elections, noting that public discourse has expanded beyond urban centers and now reaches communities throughout the country.
Making remarks at the close of the workshop, NEC’s Executive Director commended journalists for their contributions to public education and democratic accountability. Mr. Anthony K. Sengbe emphasized that the media remains a vital partner in ensuring transparency, credibility, and public confidence in elections.
He also pledged that the NEC will maintain open channels of communication with journalists and continue providing timely information, updates, and resources necessary for accurate election reporting. The Commission also committed to strengthening media relations and expanding training opportunities for journalists covering electoral and governance issues.
For its part, UNDP Communications Specialists commits its support to NEC’s communication strengthening efforts and the implementation of the Commission’s communication strategy. James M. Kparqoi noted that discussions held during the workshop would contribute to the development of a more inclusive, responsive, and effective communication framework capable of reaching diverse audiences across Liberia.
The workshop concluded with the adoption of a Joint Communiqué between NEC and participating media practitioners. In the communiqué, both parties agreed to deepen collaboration to ensure the timely and accessible dissemination of electoral information, strengthen voter education initiatives, combat misinformation and disinformation, and promote responsible journalism. The communiqué also commits NEC and the media to supporting inclusive communication approaches that reach women, youth, persons with disabilities, rural communities, and other marginalized groups. Both parties further pledged to encourage peaceful participation, tolerance, and respect for democratic values before, during, and after electoral activities.
Additionally, the agreement calls for the establishment of stronger communication channels between NEC and journalists at both national and county levels, regular stakeholder engagements, expanded public awareness campaigns, and continued capacity-building opportunities for media practitioners. The Joint Communiqué was signed in Buchanan on June 19, 2026, reaffirming the shared commitment of NEC and Liberia’s media community to advancing transparent elections, informed citizenship, and democratic development throughout the country.
As the workshop came to a close, participants expressed optimism that the strengthened partnership between NEC and the media would contribute to greater public trust in electoral processes and enhance civic participation across Liberia. The three-day engagement ended with the presentation of certificates to participants, who were encouraged to share the knowledge gained with fellow journalists in their respective counties and entities.