Over 400 Malawi Institute of Journalism-MIJ students have graduated with a call to practice professional journalism ahead of May 21 tripartite elections.

The Director in the ministry of Information and Communications Technology Gideon Munthali made the appeal during the graduation ceremony at Comesa Hall in Blantyre on Friday.

Munthali said journalists play a pivotal role in relaying information to voters which gives them a chance to make informed decisions on whom to put in political positions.

“As the country anticipates to hold general elections, it is an obligation for the journalists to refrain from bias reporting to ensure that voters, are reached with credible information for them to make the right decisions for the betterment of  country’s development,” said Munthali .

In his remarks, MIJ Executive Director, Anthony Phanga pledged to continue drilling professional journalists saying they are vital for the development of the country.

“We chose theme for the graduation “Responsible journalist is Key to credible election” because it is in line with the elections as the country is heading towards this year’s tripartite elections,” said Phanga.

The graduation ceremony which saw many notable faces in the media fraternity in attendance including the Media Institute for Southern Africa- MISA Malawi chairperson Teresa Temweka Ndanga.