QUETTA: The non-governmental organisation Intermedia with collaboration of Democracy Reporting International (DRI) on Friday organised a focused group discussion between media and civil society on Media Coverage of Electoral Reforms and Local Elections Issues: Consultation Dialogue on Challenges and Solutions.

A number of journalists and workers from NGOs participated in the group discussion held at a local hotel. The group discussion was focused on why info gaps exist in media on electoral reforms and local elections issues monitored and how to plug these gaps.

The participants presented recommendations that political parities should introduce in-house-democracy (party elections), and gender related issues be solved within parties.

They maintained that voters should be provided environment for their registration with relevant department besides making them aware of electoral rolls.

It was urged that training workshops should be organised for media personnel as presently there is lack of awareness amongst a number of newsmen about local elections issues.
Source: Business Recorder
Date:5/1/2010