Twelve Egyptian journalists attended an Elections Reporting course in Cairo to hone their reporting and writing skills as they prepare to cover parliamentary and presidential elections in the Arab world’s most populous country.
 
The course, organised by Thomson Reuters Foundation (TRF) and co-sponsored by the British Council, highlighted the need for a free and unbiased media in democratic elections to set the stage for accountability and allow citizens to make informed decisions when they vote in 2010 for a parliament and in 2011 for a president. 

Instructors Amira Fahmy and Heba Kandil reviewed topics including elements that constituted free and fair polls, credibility of media coverage and of the individual reporter, informing electors about the process and their rights and some of the main abuses that could take place in an election. 

A presentation and discussion on Ethics and Journalism and Legal Dangers appealed to many journalists who were eager to share their own experiences and thoughts. 

Practical exercises and games allowed participants to improve their interviewing and reporting techniques and to write accurate, balanced and well-sourced news stories.

Lectures by experts in journalism, elections, law, and women’s rights enriched the syllabus and gave participants a first-hand insight to the issues and realities they will face in Egypt when they cover elections. 

Egyptian lawyer and human rights activist Mohamed Abdullah Khalil spoke about legal and constitutional issues and the protection of journalists. Hoda Badran, chairperson of the Alliance for Arab Women, discussed women’s participation in the political process and media coverage of their rights and issues.

Edmund Blair, bureau chief of Thomson Reuters in Egypt, discussed his experience in covering elections in Egypt, Iran and Kuwait.

Participants gave positive feedback to the instructors and said they would they would pass on the knowledge and skills to their colleagues. “I’ve been a reporter for 10 years but I feel like I’m just starting out because I’ve learned so much.”

Following the Elections Reporting training by TRF, which was held from 21 to 25 February 2010, participants will attend an English Language component at the British Council to develop their English language skills.

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