As Malawi gears up for its upcoming elections in September, journalists have been urged to remain objective, ethical, and resilient in the face of mounting political pressure and increasing digital engagement.

The call was made during a two-day Elections Coverage Workshop held in Mangochi, under the theme “Electoral Broadcasting in the 21st Century: Opportunities, Challenges and Solutions.”

Presentations from media experts emphasized the crucial role of the press as a watchdog, the importance of maintaining editorial independence, and the need to uphold professional standards in election reporting.

Discussions also explored the regulatory framework outlined in the Communications Act, and how the rise of digital platforms is reshaping the landscape of media freedom and responsibility.

Participants engaged with MACRA Director General Daud Sulemani, who addressed key issues such as digital access rights, affordability, and the right to online assembly.

As the digital space increasingly becomes a central arena for political campaigning, stakeholders underscored the urgent need to build journalistic capacity, strengthen media regulation, and ensure that citizens are well-informed—without infringing upon their rights to freedom of expression and association.