Summary
Free communication of information and ideas about public and political issues between citizens, candidates, and elected representatives is necessary.
Obligations
Election Parts
Issues
Criteria
- Political parties were able to communicate their opinions to the electorate
- Free communication of information and ideas about public and political issues took place between citizens, candidates, and elected representatives
- Freedom of opinion and expression by the media was respected throughout the electoral process. In addition, the media respected the freedom of opinion and expression of others
Quotes
- In order to ensure the full enjoyment of rights protected by article 25, the free communication of information and ideas about public and political issues between citizens, candidates and elected representatives is essential. This implies a free press and other media able to comment on public issues without censorship or restraint and to inform public opinion. It requires the full enjoyment and respect for the rights guaranteed in articles 19, 21 and 22 of the Covenant, including freedom to engage in political activity individually or through political parties and other organizations, freedom to debate public affairs, to hold peaceful demonstrations and meetings, to criticize and oppose, to publish political material, to campaign for election and to advertise political ideas.
- [States should foster citizen participation in the electoral process by] ensuring freedom of political debate in the media and guaranteeing that electoral campaigns are open and accessible and that they allow genuine debate that is not only of interest to voters but also informative for their choices. This requires, in particular, transparency and pluralism of all media as well as equal access for all candidates and political parties to the public service media, which should be impartial. Any national regulations on election campaigns should strike a fair balance between freedom of expression and ensuring equal opportunities.
- The following conditions should exist in a country holding an election: no unreasonable limitations placed on a citizen's ability to participate in the political process… and respect for the rights of freedom of expression, freedom of association and freedom of assembly for a period adequate to allow political organizing and campaigning and to inform citizens about the candidates and issues.
- A democratic election is not possible where the legal framework inhibits or chills campaign speech and expression.
- The international standards and case-law make clear that governments have a negative obligation not to interfere with the imparting of information by the media or by willing speakers.
- The very basis of democratic governance require that the electorate be able to make informed choices. This demands that all contesting points of view be fairly and equitably communicated on a non-discriminatory basis.