QUESTION OF THE DAY
IS MEDIA ACCESS TO CANDIDATES A RIGHT OR PRIVILEGE?
It is a right. Section 41(d) of the Constitution states:
“Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, an Act of the National Assembly …. may provide for – equal access to public facilities and the media by candidates at public elections.”
Furthermore section 93(1) of the Elections Act stipulates:
“The Commission shall, during an election campaign period, ensure that equal air time is given to each candidate and political party on the public radio and television.”
This confirms that IEC has power to order GRTS to give equal air time to candidates.
