By Dorica Mtenje
LILONGWE (Maravipost): Prior to the general elections, the media in the country has been urged to be fair and balanced when writing stories, instead of being the frontline bidders who pocketed money from aspirants and misled the nation.
Vice Chairperson for Malawi Peace and Unity Commission(MPUC),Reverend Zacc Kawalala made the remarks in Lilongwe during MISA Malawi two day workshop on media electoral laws and processes.
Kawalala stated that, what people hear influences their voting decisions, and journalists can be used either to create confusion or promote peace.
He then urged journalists to pursue their careers by being truthful and balancing their reports through integrity and ethical guidelines.
“The Peace commissions have been meeting all the heads of political parties and they we have already emphasized the importance of peace and unity to the current president. We are planning to engage other party leaders so that they can also follow peaceful conduct during general elections,”said kuwali.
Kawalala further stated that, as a commission they have started the process of creating a district commission office to promote peace, as conflicts can happen anywhere.
In his remarkks MDF Commander Paul Valentino Phiri said the military steps in to keep peace and uphold the Constitution, not to get involved in politics especially during elections.
Phiri said the media plays a key role in shaping public perception and can influence either peace or unrest during the electoral cycle.
He noted that journalists are not just messengers, but carry a great responsibility in shaping society.
“Media practitioners should understand electoral laws and processes to report responsibly, interpret events wisely, and support national peace,” he explained.
UNDP Representative Azhar Malik has urged MISA to publicize the iVerify fact-checking platform, supported by UNDP, to help combat misinformation and promote information integrity.
Malik emphasized that wider use of the platform will increase public access to accurate information.
The two day workshop is themed at promoting enduring peace and unity for robust political stability and social -economic prosperity for all.