Quote

"In the area of paid political advertising there should also be a guarantee of access and equal treatment. An inequality is created in the area of paid political advertising if the legal framework fails to ensure that the same commercial rate for such ads be offered to all political parties and candidates, and that the times and location of the advertising be on similar terms. Alternatively, and where not contradicting other laws, the legal framework could prohibit all paid political advertising. If paid political advertising is permitted, then it should be offered at the same commercial rate for such advertising and under similar conditions to all political parties and candidates in order to ensure access and equal treatment. Moreover, paid political advertising should be identified as such and should not be disguised as news or editorial coverage."

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OSCE (ODIHR): Guidelines for Reviewing a Legal Framework for Elections, First Edition, p. 20

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Guidelines for Reviewing a Legal Framework for Elections, First Edition

Summaries

Paid advertising in the public media should be identified as such, and the costs and conditions involved should be reasonable and equally applied to all candidates and parties.