The Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) has seeks for media robust collaboration towards the conduct of 9th October, 2024, local government councils elections in the state.

With barely 12 days countdown into the polls, the electoral umpire, PLASIEC revealed they have recorded significant gains as Journalists plays integral part of ensuring peaceful exercise.

PLASIEC chairman, Plangji Daniel Cishak made this known while declared open a one-day capacity building workshop for media practitioners tagged:" the role of Journalists in the coverage of the Local Government Elections: perspectives and expectations.

"The purpose of this workshop is not to introduce something entirely new to most of you. We've been in this field for decades, but it's important for us to come together to address current issues and collaborate to ensure peaceful and effective coverage. 

"As you know, the role of journalism and journalists in elections can either foster peace or escalate tensions. I appreciate your understanding of the critical role journalists play in this process. 

"On our part, we are committed to involving all key stakeholders, ensuring that this election sets an example for others. It's essential that when you're entrusted with responsibility, you handle it in a way that strengthens and protects the institution, maintaining its integrity and sanctity", Cishak stated.

The resources person, Prof. Sarah Lwahas admits that elections and democracy cannot be visible without media involvement.

Prof. Lwahas, held from the department of Mass communication University of Jos said must often time journalists become endangered species in the course of discharging their constitutional responsibility as she challenged Journalists to clearly define what kind of safety to be taking especially when it comes elections coverage.

Director General of Plateau Peace Agency (PPBA), Julie Sanda, represented by Mr. Kenneth Dakop task media practitioners to be warry of misinformation, disinformation and malinformation (MDM) which are ingredients of fake news.

Giving an overview of the local government elections as well as PLASIEC law as amended, Barr. Plangnan Fwomdak, there are key innovations on the electoral process.

Recalled, the commission during the engagement with stakeholders on Thursday 26th September, 2024 confirmed all mechanism is put in place to enhance free, fair, transparent, and inclusive elections across the 17 LGAs of the state.