A STRONG CORRELATION EXISTS between a free media environment and the degree that we can call an election democratic. That is, assessing an election’s outcome not by who wins but if the process itself is free and fair. A poll cannot be considered open and fair unless the media in a country are able to report on all aspects of the election cycle without interference.
By Anthony Clive Bower
The media help promote political liberalization by shedding light on issues the public needs to be aware of in politics and about candidates. It can have a galvanizing effect on voters as diversity in the message bearers and different ways of message delivery can cut through voter apathy. It adds to a country’s accountability by constantly assessing where politicians stand on their promises and pointing out what needs improvement. The media help foster and promote democratic debate by providing a platform to different factions.
The following two legal guarantees protect the role of media in elections: Article 7.8 of the Copenhagen Document (1990) states “to ensure that the will of the people serves as the basis of the authority of government,
