Gabonese journalists undergo training in preparation for Aug. 27 presidential poll

 Gabonese journalists have been undergoing training since Tuesday in preparation for the Aug. 27, 2016 presidential elections.

The training which was organized by Gabon's information and communication ministry in partnership with the United Nations system, aims to avert dangerous reporting during the electoral period.

During previous elections, some media organizations were accused of exceeding their freedom to the point of threatening national unity and peace as well as the security of the population.

Some journalists were equally harassed by police while exercising their functions.

"During electoral period, a journalist could face a lot of pressure. He should therefore avoid releasing his own opinions, He should be objective in his reporting, because all political parties should have access to media," expert Wenceslas Mamboundou said.

He said the training will enable journalists to reinforce their capacities in the coverage of elections after having a better understanding of the political parties' charter and the electoral law.

Over ten people have declared their candidature, including incumbent President Ali Bongo Ondimba who will be going for his second seven-year term, the former African Union Commission chairman Jean Ping, ex-Speaker of parliament Guy Nzouba Ndama and ex-prime minister Casimir Oye Mba.

source : xinhua