Regulation of media during electoral campaigns is a challenging and complex area in every country. The regulatory framework for media during the elections should respect the editorial independence of the media, while at the same time ensuring that all political contenders and parties are treated in a fair and non-discriminatory manner. In some areas, such as paid political advertising, “fair” requires “equal opportunity” for all political contestants and parties and no advantage should be given to parliamentary parties. The Venice Commission and the OSCE/ODIHR recommend that Articles 80 through 85 be thoroughly reviewed with the goal of improving these articles in the same positive manner in which other areas of the Electoral Code have been improved.
