Election commission promises to protect journalists during elections

By Andrea Arop Malek

The National Election Commission (NEC) on Wednesday promised protection for journalists during the upcoming elections in December this year.

George Lemi Stan Yata, spokesperson for the National Election Commission said during the two-day workshop for journalists at crown hotel in Juba, that they are working on strengthening laws and policies to protect freedom of expression during elections.

 He promised that they will hold perpetrators of violence against journalists accountable.

Yata acknowledged the important role independent media organizations and investigative reporting plays in the country.

Majak Kuany Alier, the Secretary General for Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) emphasized the need to open civic space to promote freedom of expression and access to information ahead of the upcoming elections.

The two-day workshop attended by journalists and some national legislators was funded by the Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA).