Preparing a package of basic information for the media can be an immense time saver, while simultaneously helping to ensure that media are informed and their reports are accurate. Journalists need to know a substantial amount 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, electoral legal framework, and so on. Journalists may need even more basic political, institutional, and demographic information. In addition, they will want to know what facilities and resources are at their disposal such as a Media Centre, regular briefings, press badges, and so on.
This is all valuable information to include in a briefing pack (sometimes called a briefing package). Most, if not all, of this information can be compiled in advance of the campaign and the election itself. 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 (note, in some countries this information if released publically could be dangerous for voters)
- List of constituencies or electoral divisions (if relevant) and polling locations
- Results of past elections (if relevant)
- List of sitting members of legislature (where relevant)
- Registration procedures
- Voting procedures
- Counting procedures
- Digest of electoral law and relevant regulations and procedures
- Media monitoring body and/or commission
- Electoral dispute mechanism body and/or complaints body (and legal mandates)
- Sample electoral materials
- Party campaign code of conduct
- Journalists’ code of conduct
- Voter education material produced by EMB
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Contact details of headquarters and field offices
- Briefing schedule and other information on Media Centre
