CEO Meghalaya holds media workshop to strengthen electoral awareness

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 4, 2025

The Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Meghalaya, on June 3 organised an Election Media Workshop in Shillong to engage with local media and highlight the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) initiatives concerning media’s role in the electoral process.

CEO Meghalaya, Dr. BDR Tiwari, administered the Voters’ Pledge and urged the media to work closely with the Election Department to ensure accurate and responsible coverage. He underlined the importance of narrative-building during elections and stressed efforts by the ECI to bring polling stations closer to voters and introduce facilities like home voting.

Director of Information and Public Relations, B. Sohliya, explained the differences between various electoral systems, including those for MDCs, MLAs, and MPs. Joint CEO and Media Nodal Officer, YR Mawlong, welcomed the participants and emphasised the media’s year-round role in supporting voter education, public engagement, and ensuring electoral transparency.

Senior journalist Philip Marwein, representing the media fraternity, called for fair and fearless reporting while pointing to voter accessibility issues in remote areas. Shillong Times Editor Patricia Mukhim, through a video message, urged citizens to participate actively in elections and highlighted the media’s role in facilitating informed choices. Social media influencer Nicholas Kharnami encouraged the use of digital platforms to engage younger voters.

The workshop discussed ECI guidelines on ethical media conduct, including the regulation of paid news and political advertisements. Emphasis was placed on combating misinformation, verifying facts, and upholding journalistic standards to maintain public trust and electoral integrity.

The event concluded with renewed calls for media responsibility in shaping an informed and active electorate.