Journalists urged to uphold peaceful reporting during election

ZANZIBAR: COMMISSION for Human Rights and Good Governance (CHRAGG) Commissioner Mwinyi chande Khatib Mwinyi chande has called on journalists in Zanzibar to avoid publishing content that may incite fear or unrest during the upcoming General Election.

He made the call when he was opening a training session on human rights and media responsibilities at the West ‘B’ Municipal Hall in Unguja.

Mr Mwinyichande emphasised that journalists should focus on news stories that preserve peace and discourage conflicts.

“During elections, we must use our pens to educate and not to destroy. That is the right and important path for the nation as we head toward the polls,” he said.

He added that professional journalists report constructively, not by taking sides or highlighting only weaknesses of political parties.

The training aimed to enhance journalists’ awareness of human rights and good governance principles during the election period.

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Supporting this, CHRAGG Assistant Secretary Juma Msafiri Karibona said the media plays a vital role in promoting peace and unity, especially after elections. He stressed that accuracy and reliability in reporting are essential to prevent division in society.

“The Commission has a constitutional duty to regularly promote human rights education across the country,” Karibona noted, adding that CHRAGG will continue to strengthen awareness to safeguard rights during the polls.

Meanwhile, Ms Tunu Myenda, who presented a paper on journalists’ rights and responsibilities, reminded participants that the media can either protect or undermine constitutional rights, depending on how they report.

She warned that misleading news could erode public trust in the media, misguide citizens politically and economically and damage reputations of individuals, organisations and even governments.