Preparing a package of basic information for the media can be an immense time saver, as well as helping ensure that their reports are accurate. Journalists need to know a mass of background information: the number of registered voters (per electoral district, if that applies), the names of the candidates, the offices being contested, the results last time, the number of broadcast slots and their timing, and so on. Foreign journalists may need even more basic political, institutional, and demographic information. In addition, all journalists will want to know what regular facilities are at their disposal: a media centre, regular briefings, facilities for the count, and so on.

Much of this information can be compiled in advance of the campaign. All of it is readily available to a moderately well-organized electoral authority and can be put together by a competent press officer without enormous effort or expenditure. Much of the material may double up with information that is made available to others, such as election observers.

Here is a typical checklist of material that might be included in a briefing pack:

• Election timetable
• List of candidates
• Background on Electoral Management Body (history, mandate, profiles of members)
• Registered voters – nationally and by constituency or electoral division if relevant
• List of constituencies or electoral divisions (if relevant) and polling locations
• Results of past elections
• List of sitting members of legislature (where relevant)
• Registration procedures
• Voting procedures
• Digest of electoral law and relevant regulations and procedures
• Sample electoral materials
• Party campaign code of conduct
• Journalists’ code of conduct
• Voter education material produced by EMB
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Contact details
• Briefing schedule and other information on Media Centre