Media analyst

ODIHR election observation missions examine the coverage given to candidates in both state and privately owned media.

Beyond parties and candidates themselves, the media are the most important source of election-related information for the public. Their ability to function freely and independently is essential to a democratic election.

The media analyst leads a team of four to eight individuals responsible for preparing both quantitative - the total amount of time and space devoted to candidates and parties - and qualitative - whether that coverage is positive, negative, or neutral - analysis.

An observation mission also assesses media laws, the performance of regulatory bodies, and whether media-related complaints are handled fairly and efficiently.

"In a number of countries where I have conducted media analysis, the media are still not sufficiently free," says Rasto Kuzel, a Slovak citizen who has worked on more than twenty election observation missions or projects as a media analyst.

"Media-monitoring projects can provide the general public with benchmarks to judge the fairness of the entire election process. This function is vital even in those countries that have a long-term tradition of freedom of speech and freedom of the media."