Media and Elections Index
The media are essential to the conduct of democratic elections. A free and fair election is not only about casting a vote in proper conditions, but also about having adequate information about parties, policies, candidates and the election process itself so that voters can make an informed choice. A democratic election with no media freedom would be a contradiction in terms.
But the paradox is that, in order to ensure that freedom, a degree of regulation is required. Government media, funded out of public money, should be required to give fair coverage and equitable access to opposition parties, for example. Media often may not run reports - for example on exit polls or early results - before every vote has been cast. And so on.
Hence there is a fairly complex web of issues surrounding the formulation of regulations and a regulatory body that, with a light touch, will ensure a free media environment, which benefits the voter with his or her need for accurate information.
For further general information, go to Overview.
This subject area looks at the following issues:
