At the TANGO Conference Hall on July 21, 2026, the Gambia Press Union (GPU) Secretary General, Modou S. Joof, delivered powerful welcome remarks at the Stakeholder Consultation on the Development of a Code of Conduct and Media Toolkit for Election Reporting. The event, supported by the Commonwealth Secretariat in collaboration with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and the GPU, brought together key figures including Minister of Information Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, IEC Chairman Joseph Colley, Commonwealth Representative Rebecca Scott, and UK Chair of the CJA Raymond Whitaker.
Joof emphasized that the initiative seeks to build on existing ethical frameworks—the Cherno Jallow Charter of Ethics for Journalists and the Media Election Rules developed by the IEC. He noted that the consultation offers the media industry a chance to shape the proposed Code of Conduct and Toolkit, ensuring ownership and strengthening professionalism in election reporting.
He highlighted ongoing GPU efforts such as training in local language news translation, combating misinformation and hate speech, and promoting journalist safety. Yet, Joof stressed that ethical journalism alone cannot guarantee credible elections. Journalists, he argued, must have access to public information, operate freely without harassment or intimidation, and be protected from outdated laws such as “false publication and broadcasting.”
“The conduct of free, fair, and credible elections is not just about promoting ethical journalism,” Joof declared. “Where challenges persist, the media’s role in informing voters and holding politicians accountable is diminished.”
Calling on the Commonwealth to go beyond the development of the code and toolkit, Joof urged support for:
- Creating a safe and enabling environment for media workers before, during, and beyond elections.
- Reviewing or repealing repressive media laws.
- Implementing the Access to Information Act, 2021, which remains unimplemented.
- Strengthening media self-regulation alongside less restrictive state frameworks.
- Ending impunity for violence against journalists by holding perpetrators accountable.
His remarks underscored the GPU’s commitment to ensuring that Gambian media can play its rightful role in safeguarding democracy. The consultation marked a significant step toward building a framework where journalists can report responsibly, voters can make informed choices, and elections can be conducted in a free, fair, and peaceful manner.
