Mzuzu — Regional Civic Education Officer for National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) in the North, Enock Chinkhuta, has urged media practitioners in the region to promote peace when reporting on electoral matters as they involve delicate issues that can cause tension.

Chinkhuta made the sentiments Tuesday in Rumphi during the opening of a two-day workshop that has drawn media practitioners from various media houses in the Northern Region.

He said Journalists in the country need to be non-partisan when reporting on electoral issues by ensuring that their stories are not biased in favour of one side.

The main objective of the workshop was to accord journalists in the region an opportunity to discuss how best to report on electoral matters in view of the 2014 tripartite elections.

"Without the media, the electoral process is incomplete and it is important for journalists to learn and to be equipped with necessary information to enable them to deliver accurate messages to the masses," Chinkhuta said.

He further observed that the media will complement the role that NICE plays in voter civic education.

He, therefore, stressed that the media practitioners need to be objective, factual and accurate in their stories so that the public should make informed decisions in matters that involve the electoral process.

"Professionalism matters most when reporting on electoral issues, that is why, it is important for the media to be well equipped with as much information as possible for them to write stories accurately," he said.

He said his institution (NICE) is committed to work with organized entities like Nyika Media Club in providing vital information to the public that affects their lives.

He added: "NICE on its own cannot manage to give civic education to the public, hence involvement of the media to compliment the role played by NICE."

In his remarks, Chairperson for Nyika Media Club, Chimbizga Msimuko, commended NICE for organizing the workshop for the practitioners, saying it will enhance knowledge of the journalists.

"As Journalists, we need relevant information, especially during the tripartite elections because the public rely on the media for accurate information," said Msimuko.

He expressed the media club's commitment to compliment the various activities, especially civic education, that NICE undertakes for successful 2014 tripartite election as well as other issues that affect people's lives.