The role of journalists in maintaining free and fair elections is very much paramount, as many believe the media should be neutral in electioneering reportage. As against this backdrop President Kelvin Lewis said journalists should refrain from being partisan in their reportage in all the elections period, stating that they should leave the political campaign to the politicians.

He further maintained that, they are hoping that at the end of the training journalists will be more positive of it work or it involvement in reporting political issues. He pleaded with participants to be providing some monitoring support from some other media houses or reporter who have not participated in the training, as a means of ensuring that the media performs above all.

A facilitator Stephen Douglas spoke on the importance of schooling the journalists on political reporting and gave reasons the Canadian government is funding the project.

He mentioned that they would be doing follow up on those who are participating in the training exercise, adding that they would be reminding journalists if in any way they contravene what they have learned.

Stephen Douglas encouraged journalists to be neutral and try hard to be reporting issues, pointing out that they should not attached to any political party or politician. Stating that journalists should not be aiding politicians in their campaign crap, adding that the training will ensure it guides journalists in their political reportage that they don’t have to be following politicians like flocks of sheep.

Several journalists from different parts of the country are participating in the ongoing workshop. They are optimistic that the workshop would enlighten them more during the crucial elections period.