The allocation of media airtime is integral to ensuring that all political parties, including small parties, are able to present their programs to the electorate, both before and in between elections. While allocation of free airtime on public media is not mandated through international law, such a provision can be a critical means of ensuring an informed electorate. Where the State allocates media space, the regulation concerned should provide that free airtime and print space be allocated to all parties on a reasonable basis, consistent with the principle of equal treatment before the law.