The political campaign that started almost two weeks ago is regulated by laws and candidates, political parties and the public media have to abide by them, an elections official said.
Akolda Man Tier, a member of the National Elections Commission (NEC), told the participants in the Second State’s Ministerial Coordinating Workshop that the political campaign ends on April 9, 24 hours before the elections start.He added that all candidates and parties have equal access to public radio and TV.
Mr. Man explained that the Elections Law allows every candidate and party to express their opinions freely by whatever means they choose.
The NEC official added that the law puts some limits regarding the contents of free speech.
Mr. Man explained that the law bans incitement to ethnic or religious hatred, violence and war.
He added that political rallies have to be authorized.
Mr. Man said the police have to be informed about the gatherings to assure security and maintain public order.