Electoral Institutions, the Right to Information and Mass Media during the 2012 Presidential Campaign

This paper assesses the performance of Mexican electoral authorities during the 2012 presidential campaigns concerning citizens' right of information. By means of a theoretical review of the concepts of freedom of speech and right of information a case is made for the necessary complementarity...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Revista mexicana de ciencias políticas y sociales 2013-01, Vol.58 (219), p.45-74
Main Author: Ackerman, John M
Format: Article
Language:Spanish
Subjects:
Citizens
Civil Rights
Elections
Electoral College
Freedom
Freedom of Speech
Mexico
Political Campaigns
Politics
Presidential Campaigns
Presidents
Radio
Reform
Right Wing Politics
Television
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Summary:This paper assesses the performance of Mexican electoral authorities during the 2012 presidential campaigns concerning citizens' right of information. By means of a theoretical review of the concepts of freedom of speech and right of information a case is made for the necessary complementarity and interdependence of both concepts. The paper explores the approach that electoral authorities adopted on three different spheres, namely, the 'suggested guidelines' that were submitted to radio and television agencies for the coverage of electoral campaigns; the monitoring of campaigns coverage by radio and TV news broadcasts; and the organization and promotion of electoral debates among Mexico's presidential candidates. This review reveals a considerable clash between theory and the IFE's and TEPJF's practices. The paper closes with some general remarks on freedom of speech and the role of electoral bodies in Mexican politics, as well as with a proposal of various reforms that could reinforce freedom of speech and the right of information in the coming electoral campaigns. Adapted from the source document.
ISSN:0185-1918
DOI:10.1016/S0185-1918(13)72303-1