The President of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), Julius Kanubah, has called for stronger collaboration between the National Elections Commission (NEC) and the media to improve electoral communication and public trust, while also stressing that the press must continue to hold the Commission accountable.
Speaking Wednesday at the opening of a two-day consultation on the NEC Communication Strategy at the NEC Headquarters in Sinkor, Kanubah said the engagement was an important opportunity to improve how the Commission communicates with citizens.
He said the consultation brought together journalists, communication practitioners, NEC staff, and partners, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the Liberia Electoral Support Project.
Kanubah welcomed the initiative, describing it as a positive step toward improving how the NEC engages the public.
He praised the Commission for extending earlier regional consultations held in Ganta and Buchanan to Montserrado County, which he described as central to Liberia’s media and electoral environment.
He also acknowledged the support of UNDP and its partners, including the European Union, Ireland, and Sweden, for their role in strengthening electoral processes through the Liberia Electoral Support Project.
On the integrity of elections, Kanubah said the responsibility for credible elections does not rest with the NEC alone.
He stressed that journalists also have a duty to report elections fairly and responsibly, in line with professional standards.
At the same time, he encouraged the NEC to build a stronger and more consistent relationship with the media, especially in civic and voter education.
However, he made it clear that cooperation must not weaken media scrutiny.
He said the press will continue to closely follow the NEC’s decisions and actions, particularly as the Commission operates under new leadership, adding that accountability remains essential to public confidence in the electoral process.
Kanubah said every step taken by the NEC during the electoral cycle has direct consequences for democracy and public trust.
The two-day consultation continues at the NEC Headquarters in Monrovia.
