Reporting Elections, Safety and Security of Journalists The elections have invariably taken place against the backdrop of social hardships, including an economic meltdown and a fierce contest that heightened fears of a political conflict. The challenge for the media and journalists has been to contextualise, interpret and articulate the citizens’ concerns and expectations. The media has a responsibility to provide the public with access to different facts, opinions and ideas within the framework of the expectations of the citizens and to hold authorities, appropriate officials accountable, to promote the rule of law and respect for human rights. The media has a duty to inform voters on the election manifestos and campaigns of political parties and candidates while also focusing on the socio-economic and political issues, and helping the public to understand the electoral processes. But the media must do all this while upholding its professional ethics to cover stories without seeking bribes, paying for information, using illegal means to source information, betraying confidences, exposing the innocent to physical or political danger. On their part, journalists must cover stories and operate in a possibly hostile environment with the greatest care for their own welfare and lives. 7