III. Comments on the Text on the Draft Electoral Law 

G. Media and information support of elections

Despite the requirements of Articles 13.4 and 63.1 of the law, the OSCE/ODIHR noted numerous problems related to media coverage during the 2012 parliamentary elections. In its final report on the 2012 parliamentary elections, the OSCE/ODIHR recommended to require more balanced coverage in media regulations, political pluralism in media coverage, and not giving candidates with government positions privileged media treatment over other candidates.[1] The OSCE/ODIHR also recommended greater clarity in identifying the body responsible and the applicable procedures for enforcement of sanctions for media violations as well as that media monitoring results compiled by independent NGOs be used for adjudicating complaints of media violations.

[1] See OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission Final Report on the 28 October 2012 parliamentary elections, pages 34, 36-7.