By Alieu Ceesay
The Gambia Press Union (GPU) President, Isatou Keita, has stated that a free and fair election is one in which journalists can perform their duties freely, safely, and without intimidation or harassment, regardless of the political party or candidate they cover.
Speaking in an exclusive interview on The Final Take with MK, a weekly program hosted by Alkamba Times Chief Editor Sainey MK Marenah, Keita underscored the central role of media freedom in the electoral process. The discussion focused on the GPU’s preparations ahead of the December polls and the practical steps needed to protect journalists.
“For the GPU, a free and fair election would be an election in which journalists will do their job freely, safely and without any intimidation, regardless of which political party or candidate they are covering,” Keita said.
One of her stated priorities as GPU President is stronger protection for journalists, particularly in the period leading up to and during the election. She noted that the union has already begun engagements with the Inter-Party Committee to introduce the GPU, clarify the roles of the media, the union and the Media Council of The Gambia, and promote mutual understanding among stakeholders.
Keita also urged media houses to provide free, balanced coverage of political campaigns and help enlighten the electorate on parties’ political promises, in line with the principles outlined in the Cherno Jallow Charter on ethics. She described the pre-election period as an important opportunity for journalists to profile all contesting candidates so that voters can better understand who is running and what each candidate stands for.
On hate speech, she cautioned against amplifying unverified or inflammatory content. “This is the moment for journalists to profile all candidates who are going to contest for the election. This profiling would help the electorate to understand who is going to stand and what they should be looking for,” she said, while stressing that allegations must be verified before publication.
As part of the GPU’s pipeline ahead of the polls, Keita announced plans to train journalists and media practitioners on reporting hate speech and on fact-checking. She also called on media chiefs and editors to safeguard their reporters’ welfare throughout the campaign and election period.
During the interview, Keita also revealed that the union has finally secured a plot of land on which it intends to construct its own premises. The development is expected to reduce the high rent costs the organization currently faces.
Under her leadership, the GPU has continued to organize training programs to promote media freedom while advocating for journalists’ welfare across The Gambia. The union’s ongoing work, she indicated, is geared toward ensuring that the media can operate professionally and without fear as the country heads into a critical election.
