This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only those who have signed it.
In accordance with Article 3 of the Protocol to the European
Convention on Human Rights, member States undertake to hold free
elections at reasonable intervals by secret ballot, under conditions
which will ensure the free expression of the opinion of the people
in the choice of the legislature. Media freedom under Article 10
of the Convention is a necessary condition in order to ensure this
fundamental right to free elections.
The current change of the media landscape through rapidly
expanding Internet media also changes the impact of media on the
democratic decision-making process. Traditional standards need to
be reviewed, for example regarding the access of political parties
to broadcasting before elections.
Faced with a growing politicisation of the media as well as
public accusations of media by politicians, journalists are often
working under undue pressures, as noted in election observation
reports by the Parliamentary Assembly.
The Assembly should therefore discuss and develop common standards
and indicators for an analysis of the media situation in the context
of elections and referenda.