OSCE Office in Yerevan presents guidebook for journalists on how to receive electoral information

YEREVAN, 27 April 2007 - A guidebook for journalists on how to exercise their right to access electoral information, developed by the local NGO Freedom of Information Centre with financial support from the OSCE Office, was presented in Yerevan today.

"Media access to election information can ensure that the electorate has a fair choice and that the overall electoral processes are transparent, " said Ambassador Vladimir Pryakhin, Head of the OSCE Office.

"This user-friendly publication was designed to raise journalists' awareness on the legal mechanisms that protect their right to electoral information before, during and after elections."

The publication lists the relevant provisions of the Electoral Code, the laws on Freedom of Information, Media, Political Parties, and Central Electoral Commission Regulations, elaborates on freedom of information litigation and outlines the legal mechanisms that should be applied when the media are denied access to information. It also offers case studies from previous elections.

"We hope this publication will serve as an effective tool for journalists while implementing their professional duties during elections, helping them to fully exercise their right of access to information," added Shushan Doydoyan, the President of the Freedom of Information Centre.

Representatives of the media community, Central Electoral Commission and local and international organizations participated in the event.