THE media will play a critical role in ensuring Fijians receive accurate and reliable information as the country moves towards the next election, Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa said yesterday.
Speaking at the media and elections reporting training at the Communications Fiji Ltd boardroom in Suva, Ms Mataiciwa urged journalists to uphold accuracy, fairness, and impartiality in their coverage.
“An election is not delivered by the Fijian Elections Office alone,” she said.
“It is a national undertaking that requires institutions, stakeholders, communities and the media to each play their part.”
She said voters needed timely and reliable information to participate confidently in the electoral process.
“The media is one of the most important links between the electoral process and the public.”
She said the three-week training would cover the legal framework governing elections, fact-checking, misinformation and disinformation, including content generated through artificial intelligence.
The program would also focus on inclusive election reporting, coverage of women and marginalised candidates, and making election information accessible to young people and voters in rural and maritime communities.
As election day approaches, journalists would also be trained on polling and counting procedures, field reporting, safety considerations, and international best practices.
“In an environment where information can travel across the country in seconds, and misinformation can travel just as quickly, accuracy matters more than ever,” she added.
Ms Mataiciwa said the training was aimed at strengthening understanding and building greater trust between the media and electoral authorities.
“Your reporting will help tell the story of Fiji’s election.
“Let us make sure that story is informed by facts.”
