UPDATE: The "Reporting on Elections: A Toolkit for Journalists in Myanmar" is also available through an interactive online platform hosted under ANFREL Myanmar program's website which can be accessed here: https://myanmar.anfrel.org/en/media-toolkit/about-the-toolkit

The Asian Network for Free Elections (ANFREL) released its media toolkit titled "Reporting on Elections: A Toolkit for Journalists in Myanmar" as a guide for journalists who will cover the 2020 Myanmar general election.

ANFREL recognizes that the role of the media as sources of information during elections is vital to help the electorate make informed decisions. Through this new media toolkit, ANFREL hopes to help journalists navigate the complexities of the electoral process and for them to contribute in ensuring free and fair elections.

The media toolkit contains fundamental focus areas for the media to understand the electoral process, appreciate their roles in elections and democracy, and gain techniques to better perform their duties.

The components of the handbook are based on the inputs of Myanmar journalists from different parts of the country during two consultation meetings and ANFREL's extensive experience in observing elections in Asia.

ANFREL, in cooperation with the Myanmar Press Council (MPC), have lined up a set of activities for the Myanmar media to improve how elections are being covered in time for the 2020 general elections.

ANFREL has been actively engaging electoral stakeholders in Myanmar including the media. Prior to the 2015 general elections, ANFREL provided capacity-building workshops and platforms for the media and various stakeholders to engage in discussions towards furthering democratic values in the country.

The publication of the media toolkit would not have been possible without the generous support from the Canadian Embassy in Yangon and the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.

The handbook can be accessed below and available for download here: EN Version || MM Version