MONROVIA – Press Union of Liberia [PUL] President, Julius Kanubh, says a strong partnership between the media and the National Elections Commission [NEC] is essential for electoral integrity, but journalists must also maintain their watchdog role as Liberia prepares for future elections.
Speaking at the opening of a two-day consultation on the NEC’s Communication Strategy at the Commission’s head office in Sinkor, Kanubah described the forum as “an important step” toward helping the NEC strengthen how it engages Liberians, including both voters and non-voters.
The consultation brought together journalists, media and communication practitioners, NEC staff, and representatives of the United Nations Development Programme [UNDP].
He welcomed the NEC’s decision to extend the process to Montserrado County after earlier regional consultations in Ganta, Nimba County, and Buchanan, Grand Bassa County.
“We commend the NEC for now extending this process to Montserrado County – the heartbeat of Liberian journalism, media, and electoral politics,” he said. He also applauded UNDP’s support through the Liberia Electoral Support Project [LESP], funded by the European Union, Ireland, and Sweden.
The PUL President stressed that elections are a fundamental pillar of democracy, political stability, and national development, and that safeguarding their integrity is a shared responsibility.
“While the NEC, as the electoral management body, bears the primary responsibility, achieving it requires meaningful engagement with the media,” Kanubah said. He called on journalists to uphold professionalism, fairness, accuracy, impartiality, and responsibility, while urging the NEC to build sustainable partnerships with the media beyond this consultation, including in civic and voter education.
However, Kanubah emphasized that collaboration does not mean the media will abandon scrutiny. With a new NEC Chair in place, he said the press must closely examine the Commission’s administrative, political, and operational decisions, including its engagement with political parties, enforcement of electoral laws, and public communication.
“The actions and inactions of the NEC during each phase of the electoral cycle carry significant consequences for our democracy,” he stated. He said media collaboration with the National Elections Commission is vital for electoral integrity, but journalists must also keep a close watch on the NEC’s actions.
Kanubah hailed the forum as “an important step” to help the Commission communicate better with all Liberians.
While urging journalists to be fair, accurate, and impartial, Kanubah said the media’s watchdog role remains critical. With a new NEC Chair, he said the press must scrutinize the Commission’s decisions, enforcement of electoral laws, and public engagement.
“Collaboration is important, but so is accountability,” he noted.
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