The candidate nomination period is sometimes combined with the voter registration period.  In truth, both are part of the “pre-campaign” period.   Yet there are distinct issues regarding nomination of candidates which the media should pay specific attention to.  The media may play a role in informing voters about candidates’ platforms at this point; but they are also a source of information for potential candidates. Media will need to be familiar with the process this phase, and should be able to answer the following questions: 

• What are the rules, as established by constitutional and electoral laws, regarding candidate or party eligibility for nomination?

• What are the procedures for candidate and party nomination?

• What are the rules for campaign financing?

• What are the profiles and platforms of candidates and parties who are seeking nomination?

• What are the trends in terms of nomination (are there more or less women, young people, minorities, etc. this time? Are there a lot of new small parties, are certain types of parties merging, etc.?)

• Are there any issues, controversies, or complications with the nomination process? What are the different perspectives on these?

This pre-campaign period also involves a number of other key issues that media should follow, such as an EMB’s progress in finalizing operational plans, determining voting centre and station locations, and conducting voter education and information.