Guyana media experts gather in Panama to strengthen information integrity in elections

This meeting continued the dialogue introduced in July among Guyanese media professionals on the informational challenges in electoral processes. 

Workshop with Guyanese media ahead of the elections

The activity featured Yolanda Ward, Public Relations Officer of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), who shared the institutional perspective on media relations and the importance of ensuring transparency and credibility in communication throughout the electoral cycle.

During the sessions, participants addressed essential topics such as accuracy and integrity in news coverage, the impact of artificial intelligence on content dissemination, and strategies to prevent disinformation and hate speech in both traditional and digital media. They also analysed recent examples, the circulation and audience impact, along with effective responses that journalists and institutions can implement to reduce risks and strengthen public trust.

The workshop gathered practical recommendations to improve communication and prevent political violence in future electoral processes. Key conclusions included the need to schedule proactive institutional communications to anticipate rumours and false narratives, create inter-newsroom networks to facilitate collaborative fact-checking, develop inclusive strategies to reach rural communities and people with disabilities, and promote editorial independence as a fundamental pillar to guarantee credibility and transparency in journalism.

International IDEA presented its work and knowledge products on information integrity in electoral processes, led by Peter Wolf, principal adviser in Elections and Digitalization at International IDEA. The session covered key findings, methodologies, and tools developed to address challenges such as disinformation, information manipulation, and the spread of misleading content in electoral contexts. 

Participants learned about the conceptual framework used by International IDEA to assess information integrity, recent examples, and case studies, as well as practical resources and policy recommendations aimed at strengthening democratic resilience against informational threats. The goal was to foster dialogue on best practices and potential applications of these products in diverse electoral environments, contributing to transparency, trust, and informed participation in democratic processes.

As part of the program, journalists took a guided tour of Panama’s Electoral Tribunal, where they learned about institutional communication practices, transparency, and electoral management. This exchange provided insights into how Panama manages relations with media and digital platforms to ensure transparent electoral processes, offering a model of good practices.

International IDEA is implementing in Guyana the project Support for Civic Capacities and Participation to Strengthen Electoral Integrity and Democracy, funded by the European Union and in partnership with GECOM, with the purpose of reinforcing electoral processes and consolidating citizens’ trust in democratic institutions.

The general and regional elections held in Guyana on September 1st concluded with the re-election of President Irfaan Ali, who secured a second term.