Algerian Communication Minister Mohamed Bouslimani has emphasized the need for professional media coverage of the upcoming local elections. In his opening speech at a day-long seminar on "Media and Local Elections 2026: Towards Professional, Responsible, and Transparent Coverage," Bouslimani urged media outlets to go beyond mere professional practice and rise to the level of national duty. This is particularly important in the face of organized electronic wars that seek to incite discord and alienate young people from their country.
Bouslimani highlighted the crucial role of the media in supporting the country's efforts and positions. He noted that the national media is aware of its responsibilities, including contributing to the success of current challenges, such as raising citizens' awareness and strengthening the relationship between citizens and the administration. The minister also emphasized the importance of showcasing achievements made for the benefit of the population and restoring Algeria's rightful place in the regional and international arena.
The minister stressed that the media should be a neutral link between voters and their representatives, providing objective and reliable information, and introducing voters to the programs of candidates and all details of the electoral process. He also called on the media to be vigilant in ensuring the transparency of ballot boxes, adhering to professional ethics and codes. Bouslimani expressed his hope that the elections will enable the people to choose their representatives democratically and transparently.
Bouslimani noted that the theme of the seminar reflects the main axes of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune's program, which focuses on ensuring citizens' right to free expression through democratic choice of their representatives in national and local elected institutions. He added that thanks to the President's wise instructions, the media and electoral fields have been strengthened by significant reforms, in line with major changes that have marked the national scene since 2019.
The minister highlighted that these reforms focus on legal and institutional aspects within a forward-looking policy aimed at transitioning to a new era of public management, based on promoting a system of rights and freedoms and adopting good governance in performance. He also noted that Algeria has made the electoral process a democratic mechanism to embody this approach, particularly by making politics more ethical, removing corrupt money from any voting process, and promoting equality.
Bouslimani emphasized that the media has a pivotal role in promoting democracy through various mechanisms and practices, such as elections in all their forms and formats. He added that the Communication sector is working to activate this role by strengthening the legal framework and adopting specialized training, enabling journalists to perform their media role with freedom and professional responsibility.
The seminar, organized in partnership with the National Independent Authority for Elections, aims to promote professional, responsible, and transparent media coverage of the local elections. The event brings together media professionals, experts, and officials to discuss the role of the media in the electoral process and the challenges of providing accurate and unbiased information to the public.
Key points
- Algerian Communication Minister Mohamed Bouslimani calls for professional media coverage of local elections.
- The minister emphasizes the need for media outlets to provide objective and reliable information to voters.
- The seminar aims to promote professional, responsible, and transparent media coverage of the local elections.
