Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) President Georgina Maka’a has called for stronger partnerships built on mutual respect, consultation and recognition of the different roles organisations play in strengthening democratic governance.
Speaking at the one-day Media, Elections and Democratic Governance Dialogue at Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara today, Ms Maka’a said no single organisation could strengthen democracy, promote accountability or build public trust alone.
“Government institutions, electoral bodies, development partners, civil society organisations and the media all have different responsibilities, but our contributions are connected,” she said.
“True progress comes when we recognise these different roles, respect what each brings to the table and work together towards a common purpose.”
Ms Maka’a stressed that partnerships involving the media must recognise the industry’s responsibility to operate independently while serving the public interest.
She also emphasised the importance of consulting MASI from the outset when developing programmes that directly affect journalists and media organisations.
“We believe partnerships are strongest when the different players are involved from the beginning, helping to identify priorities and shape initiatives that respond to realities on the ground,” she said.
The MASI President recalled the association’s successful collaboration with UNDP and the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission in 2021, which supported journalists covering by-elections in remote communities, including Choiseul and Tikopia.
She said the experience demonstrated how practical cooperation could overcome financial and geographical challenges while maintaining editorial independence.
Speaking at the dialogue, UNDP Programme Specialist for Inclusive Governance and Economic Growth, Solomon Kalu, highlighted the importance of public trust in democratic institutions.
“Elections are more than a constitutional process,” Mr Kalu said.
“They are a defining moment when citizens from our provinces, islands, and communities come together to shape the future of our nation.”
He stressed that credible elections depend not only on the counting of votes but also on citizens’ access to verified information and their ability to participate in public discussions.
Japan’s Embassy Counsellor, Nakashima Arata, reaffirmed his country’s support for electoral assistance in Solomon Islands, highlighting a recent agreement with UNDP involving 430 million Japanese yen, approximately US$2.7 million.
Representatives from Australia and the United Kingdom also reaffirmed their support for democratic governance and media independence.
The dialogue was organised by UNDP through the Solomon Islands Democratic Governance and Electoral Assistance Project (SIDGEAP), with support from Australia, Japan and the United Kingdom.
Held under the theme “Strengthening Public Trust, Accountability and Civic Participation,” the dialogue brought together journalists, electoral officials, development partners, academics and civil society representatives ahead of the 2028 Joint Elections.
