By: G. Lawrence Tuopleyee, Nimba D-9 TV Reporter
Tappita City, Nimba County, Liberia:- More than twenty local journalists from across Lower Nimba including Saclepea, Bahn, Zekepa, Buu-Yao, Beeplay, and Tappita are participating in a three-day intensive training on investigative election reporting and fact-checking. The training is an initiative of Internews, in partnership with the Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP), and funded by the European Union.
During the opening session, Mr. Malcolm W. Joseph, Executive Director of CEMESP, provided an overview of the training, emphasizing the pivotal role journalists play in the democratic process. He urged participants to remain neutral in their coverage and to apply the “ABC method” of journalism Accuracy, Balance, and Clarity.
The first day of the workshop featured several key topics, including the Nimba County senatorial by-election calendar and full electoral cycle, mapping of polling precincts and electoral districts, the media code of conduct, in-depth reporting strategies, gender equality in political reporting, and fact-checking techniques.
Representing UN Women, Madam Lisa T. Diasay, President of the Female Journalists Association of Liberia (FeJAL), delivered a compelling presentation on the importance of women’s participation in politics. She highlighted ongoing challenges women face during elections, including political violence and gender-based discrimination. Madam Diasay urged media professionals to report fairly on female candidates and avoid sexist narratives.
One of the day’s key facilitators, Mr. Alpha Senkpeni, led an engaging session on fact-checking, outlining the differences between misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation. He provided practical tools for verifying information and stressed the vital role journalists play in ensuring accuracy in election reporting.
The day concluded with the official launch of the “Story Giant for Human Rights” and the kickoff of the 2025 Nimba County Senatorial By-Election media initiative by Internews and partners.
At the end of the training, eligible journalists will have the opportunity to apply for a mini-grant stipend. These grants are designed to support in-depth coverage of the by-election and key human rights issues.