Benghazi – The Washem Center for Women’s Studies organized a discussion session. It took place on Saturday evening in Benghazi. The session focused on digital media’s role in covering municipal elections. This is due to the growing influence of digital platforms on Libya’s electoral landscape.
Several key themes were discussed during the session. These included the importance of digital media in the electoral process. Cyber and legal challenges associated with it were examined. The phenomenon of fake news and media disinformation was also addressed. Their impact on election integrity was a major point. Professional ethics and media standards in the digital space were debated.
Dr. Abeer Amenina is Director of the Washem Center for Women’s Studies. She spoke to a “Wal” correspondent. Dr. Amenina explained the session aimed to highlight digital media’s role. This spans all stages of municipal elections. It starts from awareness and voter registration. It continues through to election day. Digital media has become an active force. It now shapes events, rather than just conveying them. This increases its importance. However, it also raises risks when exploited to influence public opinion.
Journalist Hindia Al-Ashibi also affirmed digital media’s transformative role. She stated it evolved from a news carrier. It is now an awareness tool. It encourages citizens to participate in elections. This includes participation as candidates, voters, or polling committee members. Al-Ashibi highlighted its oversight role. The commission accredited 242 media observers. These observers document election proceedings. They monitor citizen interaction and voting progress.
Representatives from the Civil Society Commission in Benghazi attended the session. Faculty members from the College of Media at Benghazi University were also present. Journalists and candidates for municipal council elections participated. Digital media experts and civil society organization representatives also attended. Attendees praised the discussion’s importance. They noted the significant impact of digital platforms on the electoral process.