The exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association in the context of elections 2013, para. 39
Paragraph- Paragraph text
- Central to the freedom of expression of political parties is the opportunity for them to have equal access to the media, particularly where the latter is State-owned or controlled. Legislation should provide a clear framework for the implementation of equal access to media, including during the campaign period. For example, all parties presenting candidates for elections are entitled to coverage by public media, and in this regard, the allocation of free media time ensures that all political parties, including small parties, are able disseminate their views and ideas. The allocation of media time before an election should be equal, on the basis of the principles on equality before the law and non-discrimination. Denying specific parties' access to public media or providing biased coverage based on, for example, the unacceptability of the party or candidate's views is incompatible with the rights to freedom of association and expression. Attention should be paid to the distinction between access to the media as a political party and access to media as State officials due to the potential for unfair advantage that arises out of incumbent political parties using media coverage of official duties as a campaign platform.
- Legal status
- Non-negotiated soft law
- Body
- Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
- Document type
- Special Procedures' report
- Means of adoption
- N.A.
- Topic(s)
- Civil & Political Rights
- Equality & Inclusion
- Governance & Rule of Law
- Person(s) affected
- All
- Year
- 2013
- Paragraph type
- Other
- Reference
- SR Freedom of Assembly, Report to the UNGA (2013), A/68/299, para. 39.
- Paragraph number
- 39
sorted by
Date added
71 relationships, 71 entities