The head of Algeria's Independent National Electoral Authority, Said Arous, has emphasized the crucial role that media plays in the success of the country's upcoming local elections. Speaking at a seminar on "Media and Local Elections 2026: Towards Professional and Responsible Coverage," Arous highlighted that the media is a key partner in accompanying the electoral process and promoting citizens' awareness of their rights and duties. He stressed that the media's role goes beyond simply conveying news and data.
Arous noted that the media's coverage of the elections should not be limited to the campaign period but should extend to all stages of the electoral process, from reviewing electoral lists to the voting day and the announcement of results. He also emphasized the importance of accurate and balanced information, allowing citizens to make informed decisions. The seminar, organized by the International Center for Press under the supervision of the Independent National Electoral Authority and the Ministry of Communication, brought together media professionals and government officials.
The Independent National Electoral Authority head praised the presence and participation of the media in the seminar, considering it a reflection of the importance of the media in the electoral process. He also highlighted the responsibility that lies with the media during this period, stressing that professional electoral coverage requires more than just conveying news and data. Arous added that the media should provide citizens with accurate information, verify its sources, and present it in a clear context.
Arous pointed out that local elections are particularly significant, as they are closely related to citizens' daily lives and their immediate environment. He emphasized that the media's coverage of local elections requires a specific professional approach, focusing on local issues and moving the electoral debate from general slogans to programs, ideas, and citizens' real concerns. The media, he said, should enable citizens to understand the different stages of the electoral process.
The head of the Independent National Electoral Authority praised the role played by national media outlets during previous electoral events, noting that they had accompanied the various stages of the electoral process and explained its procedures. He expressed his authority's readiness to strengthen communication channels with the media, provide electoral information in a timely manner, and respond to questions and concerns raised by the media.
Arous emphasized the importance of media neutrality, stating that it does not mean a lack of professional processing but rather accurate and balanced information. He also highlighted the need for journalists to distinguish between news and opinion, fact and comment, and documented information and information that requires verification. The seminar aimed to promote professional and responsible media coverage of the local elections.
Arous concluded that the media plays a vital role in enabling citizens to make informed decisions, and that its role is not limited to influencing their choices but rather to providing them with accurate information. He called for a permanent and continuous dialogue between the electoral authority and the media, stressing the need for cooperation and coordination to ensure the success of the electoral process.
Key points
- Algerian election authority head urges media to provide accurate and balanced information during local elections.
