Transparency of an election helps ensures that this indeed is so. transparent, platform for debate and participation in the discussion. As such, media are vital in ensuring that there is a public, i.e. For example, media presence at voting and counting centres is critical to preventing electoral fraud, given that full measures protecting freedom of speech are guaranteed, and that media are free to act independently and with impartiality.Īn election cannot be deemed democratic unless the public is fully able to participate and is unhindered in exercising choice. This watchdog role extends from accountability of officials and their actions while ‘in office’ to entire processes. Media acts as a mechanism for the prevention and investigation of allegations of violations or malpractice.

As such, information regarding their affiliations, histories, and performance while in office, is to be freely accessed by the public. Individuals appointed or elected to an EMB body are public figures who should be working in the interests of the public. Specific to elections, an EMB for example, is obligated to inform the public on their actions, decisions, and plans. This includes access to legal and operational proceedings as well as information about officials and institutions. Transparency as required for access to information means that an electorate is provided necessary and comprehensive information so as to make informed choices as well as be able to hold officials and institutions accountable. Transparency is required on many levels including for access to information accountability and legitimacy of individuals, institutions and processes themselves and for rightful participation and public debate. This is often called its ‘watchdog’ role. In today’s politics and society at large, media is essential to the safeguarding transparency of democratic processes.

Watchdog government