1Research Scholar, Centre for the Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy, Panjab University, Chandigarh
2Research Scholar, Centre for the Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy, Panjab University, Chandigarh
Online published on 27 September, 2019.
This paper is an attempt that how media is immensely crucial for a vibrant democracy of which election is the hallmark for democracy's success. It is well known that media is the fourth pillar of democracy, and being the friend, philosopher and guide of electorate and democratic institutions it assumes utmost importance to have free, fair and transparent elections. In a representative democracy, elections, being the practical aspect of democracy, are the means to realize and achieve political power and that itself became means to fulfill national interest since political party/parties in power guide a country in a specific direction. In that sense, relationship of elections and national interests is of huge importance, simply because free, fair and transparent elections determine the nature, content and future of any democratic nation. Media is a medium to disseminate information to all stakeholders; to inform and enlighten citizens about their rights and duties; to provide a platform for discussion and debate on local, national and international issues; to enhance knowledge; to build perception among electorate towards a particular candidate or party/parties; to highlight the vital role voting in elections, etc. All such information and activities have vital imprints on voting behavior of people and elections. This paper will examine the what, why and how of media and fair elections through its critical and contemporary approach and is also dismantle the issues, challenges and reforms need to brought in both in media and election system. For example, corporatization of media, paid and fake news, partisanship of editors and TV anchors, model code of conduct in media, biased news, etc. are plaguing Indian media which are adversely impacting elections in India and hence national interests, particularly the democracy and constitutional ethos. Since there are complementarities between free and fair media and free and fair elections, both reinforce each other and vice-versa-good media results in good elections and hence active and vibrant democracy and bad media consequently lead to bad elections and pseudo-democracy. Hence, vigilant and lively media is vital for democracy to survive, thrive and deepen its roots.
Journalism, Democratisation, Socialisation, Electoral politics, Opinion polls, Exit polls, Media trial, Political communication, Rhetoric, Elitism
