By Peter Lokale Nakimangole

TORIT, 10 March 2010 (Gurtong) – The training of close to about 30 journalists has been funded by the Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) and International Media Support (IMS).

The Director for Finance and Administration in the State Ministry of Information Alex Lochor urged the participants to be keen so they can acquire indispensable knowledge and skills to assist them cover the forthcoming elections effectively.

One of the facilitators Mr Moyiga Nduru explained that the training workshop will help the beneficiaries to have excellent skills in reporting about the background of the electoral system.

“Covering elections is  different from covering other events as it involves giving equal airtime to all political parties to help them  propagate their manifestos and campaign agenda”, he said.

He added that the training targets print and broadcast journalists in South Sudan and is being conducted in other states as well.

“The training is taking place in towns such as Juba, Rumbek, Malakal and Torit but journalists residing outside the mentioned training venues will be asked to join the training in any of the mentioned towns”, he said.

He said that the Sudan National Election Commission regulations stipulate that if a media house reports on only one party during the election period, then it will be liable for prosecution.