MONROVIA, November 15 (LINA) - A Commissioner at the National Elections Commission (NEC) has challenged Liberian journalists to be impartial in the coverage of the upcoming Special Senatorial Elections.

Commissioner Davidetta Browne Lansanah observed that journalists are considered key players in elections, and should therefore respect the election code of conduct to ensure the strengthening of the country’s democratic process.

Commissioner Lansanah proffered the challenge Friday at a one-day forum to review the election code of conduct for media coverage held  at the YMCA conference hall in Monrovia.

She reminded journalists that free and fair elections are critical to the establishment of a democratic system, noting that elections must not be judged by what happens on polling day only and that assessment must go on from the beginning of the process to enhance democracy in the country.

She said the code of conduct will go a long way in enabling journalists disseminate credible information relating to elections coverage in the country.

According to Lansanah the fairness of journalists in elections coverage will help to develop and build a strong democratic system in the country.

The forum organized   by the National Elections Commission (NEC) and Press Union of Liberia (PUL) with support from the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), brought together more than 50 participants from various media institutions in the country.

LINA/CB/GDJ/TSS