A day-long conference on "Media and Local Elections" began on Monday at the Abdelatif Rahal International Conference Centre in Algiers, Algeria's capital. The event, organized by the International Centre for Press, is being held under the supervision of the Ministry of Communication and the Independent National Electoral Authority. The conference aims to promote professional, responsible, and transparent media coverage of the 2026 local elections.
The conference features presentations by professors and experts on key issues related to elections, including the constraints and regulations governing election campaigns. Participants will also discuss the role of media in promoting electoral participation and awareness, as well as the challenges of balancing excitement and professional commitment in media coverage. Three workshops will be held on journalistic ethics, fact-checking during election coverage, and data journalism.
The workshops will be led by university professors and will focus on the specifics of local media coverage during elections. Topics will include the importance of verifying information, the use of data in electoral journalism, and the unique challenges faced by local media outlets. The event has attracted a wide range of participants, including government officials, representatives from national institutions, and academics.
The conference was attended by Algerian Minister of Communication, Mohamed Bouslimani, and the President of the Independent National Electoral Authority, Said Arouss. Other participants include members of the government, representatives from national institutions, and directors of communication sector institutions. The event began with a moment of silence to honor the victims of recent wildfires that affected several provinces.
The conference aims to promote a better understanding of the role of media in local elections and to encourage responsible and transparent coverage. The event will provide a platform for experts and officials to share their experiences and insights on the challenges and opportunities facing the media in Algeria. The discussions will focus on the importance of media in promoting democratic participation and electoral awareness.
The International Centre for Press, which is organizing the conference, has a long history of promoting press freedom and responsible journalism in Algeria. The centre has been working closely with the government and other stakeholders to promote a more professional and independent media sector. The conference is seen as an important step towards achieving this goal.
The conference will conclude with a set of recommendations and proposals aimed at promoting better media coverage of local elections in Algeria. These recommendations are expected to be presented to the government and other stakeholders, with the aim of improving the media environment and promoting more transparent and accountable elections.
Key points
- The conference aims to promote professional, responsible, and transparent media coverage of the 2026 local elections in Algeria.
