HONIARA, 28 October 2026 – The Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) has joined media professionals, electoral officials and other stakeholders in Honiara for a dialogue on the media’s role in elections and democratic governance ahead of the 2028 national general elections.
The one-day Media, Elections and Democratic Governance Dialogue was held at Heritage Park Hotel on Wednesday 28 October under the theme “Strengthening Public Trust, Accountability and Civic Participation”.
The dialogue provided an opportunity to discuss challenges facing the media industry, including misinformation, digital changes, media ethics, editorial independence and the need for accurate electoral reporting.
In her opening remarks, MASI President Georgina Maka’a highlighted the importance of public-interest journalism and the need for stronger public trust in the media.
She said that during elections, people needed reliable information to understand candidates, policies and electoral processes.
“During elections, people need access to accurate and balanced information about candidates, policies and electoral processes,” Ms Maka’a said.
She also highlighted the importance of inclusive storytelling, encouraging greater participation by women, young people, persons with disabilities and people living in rural and remote communities.
Ms Maka’a said public trust was not only about whether people believed the information they received, but also whether they trusted journalists enough to share their own stories.
The dialogue programme included sessions on the state of the media, audience behaviour and public trust, media ethics and verification, electoral information integrity, and public-interest journalism. It also featured practical fact-checking workshops and discussions on election reporting.
MASI welcomed the opportunity to engage with the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission, development partners, civil society, academia and other stakeholders on issues affecting the media and its role in democratic governance.
The Association also acknowledged the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through the Solomon Islands Democratic Governance and Electoral Assistance Project (SIDGEAP), and the Governments of Australia, Japan and the United Kingdom for their involvement in the dialogue.
As preparations for the 2028 elections continue, MASI hopes the discussions will contribute to practical improvements in cooperation, information sharing and training for election reporting.
‘A strong democracy needs an informed public, and an informed public needs a free, independent and responsible media’, MASI President, Ms Maka’a said.
