SLAJ, ECONEC Step Up Media Preparedness Ahead of 2028 Elections
Sia Lucy Kannah The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) met with a delegation from the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC) for a post-election follow-up and needs assessment focused on lessons learned from Sierra Leone’s 2023 elections and preparations for the 2028 elections.
The discussions centered around journalists’ safety; professional and conflict-sensitive election reporting; misinformation and disinformation; media sustainability and independence; voter education; online media regulation; freedom of expression; and access to credible electoral information.
During the engagement, the President of SLAJ, Alhaji Manika Kamara, outlined initiatives to promote responsible journalism, including fact-checking, journalist training, election-related media monitoring, and advocacy for stronger protections for press freedom and freedom of expression.
The ECONEC delegation emphasized the importance of continuous capacity building, rather than interventions limited to election periods, and encouraged SLAJ to develop a detailed concept note identifying the media sector’s needs and areas requiring support ahead of the 2028 elections.
Finally, both parties underscored the important role of a professional, independent, and informed media in supporting peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral processes.