By Mary Magangani.
The Media Council of Malawi (MCM) has urged media practitioners to prioritize integrity and professionalism as the country prepares for the 2025 General Election.
This call was made during a two-day annual media and access to information conference 2024 (AMATIC24) held from 26 to 27 September, 2024 at the Bingu International Convetion Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe, Malawi.
The event was organized by MCM, the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC), and the Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR).
MCM Board Chairperson, Dr. Jolly Ntaba, stressed the critical role of journalists in providing accurate and verified information. He highlighted the need to combat misinformation and disinformation.
Dr. Ntaba reaffirmed the council’s commitment to supporting journalists. He emphasized the importance of integrity, professionalism, and high ethical standards in media practice.
“As we approach the 2025 General Elections, it is imperative that media professionals reaffirm their commitment to free and equitable information flow,” Ntaba said.
He also pointed out the significance of the Access to Information Handbook. The handbook helps journalists understand the Access to Information Act, which provides a framework for gathering and sharing news.
The guest of honor, Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson Justice Annabel Mtalimanja, emphasized the importance of collaboration. She called on the media to work with MEC to verify all election-related information.
“My appeal to the media is to verify information before sharing it with the public,” Mtalimanja said. She reassured the public that MEC will maintain open communication with stakeholders,” she said.
Keynote speaker Commissioner Teresa Ndanga highlighted the challenges journalists face, including being denied access to information. She mentioned that some journalists are even attacked or arrested while performing their duties.
“We want to ensure that access to information is utilized, especially as the elections approach,” Ndanga said.
She urged journalists to maintain integrity and provide fair coverage to all political candidates.
This year’s event was held under the theme, “Promoting Free Flow of Information towards the 2025 General Election” and was made possible with financial support from Chandler Foundation, US Embassy Lilongwe, Reserve Bank of Malawi, Central Medical Stores Trust, NOCMA, ESCOM, MRA, MUBAS, Greenbelt Authority, MACRA, MEC, and Tilitonse Foundation.
