By Andrew Gondwe

Chitipa, June 5, Mana: Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) has asked Chitipa based journalists to adhere to media ethics and code of conduct ahead of the forthcoming general elections to avoid voter apathy.

Programmes Officer for CHRR, Maxwell Mvula made the call on Tuesday during a one-day media training which the organization conducted in the district.  

Mvula said CHRR decided to train the journalists on how best they can develop informative electoral messages without misleading electorates.

He also reminded the media to observe media ethics such as checks and balances, independence, fairness, proper identification, respect, transparency and accountability.

"By following those media ethics it's our hope that conflicts and violence will be minimized. This will result in free, fair and credible 2025 general elections in Malawi.

“As CHRR, we expect journalists to apply the knowledge gained from the training and reduce voter apathy during the 2025 general elections,” Mvula said.

He hoped that CHRR and the media will work together to sensitize the electorates on the importance of registering and voting and having free and fair elections to promote development in the country.

Bureau Chief for Tuntufye Radio in the district, Patricia Kayuni thanked CHRR for organising the training, which she said helped journalists to be reminded of their role as watchdogs in society.

She pledged that the media will civic educate the general populace on the importance of the forthcoming general election.

"As media practitioners, it's our role to desist from being biased and reporting election issues that can ignite violence. We will make sure that we craft electoral messages that suit all people,” she said.

CHRR is implementing ‘Enhancing the Participation of the General Public in 2025 General Elections” project with funding from UNDP.

The one-year project started in November 2023 and will phase-out in November 2024.