Commonwealth, Media

and Elections
The Court Room, Senate House, Thursday, 3 May
Malet Street, London WC1E 7HU 18:00–20:00
One of the modern Commonwealth’s great strengths has Chair:
been its long experience of election observation, in support Dr Sue Onslow
of the Commonwealth’s commitment to democracy and Acting Director of the Institute of
good governance in its member states. In these teams’ final Commonwealth Studies
reports, assessment of the media landscape and access to Speakers:
information have always featured. This panel discussion Martin Plaut
will consider the media landscapes of the two African Senior Research Fellow ICWS,
‘powerhouses’ in the Commonwealth, South Africa and and former BBC World Service
Nigeria, in the run up to their national elections in 2019. Africa Editor
Pressure on the media has been described as ‘the canary Kayode Samuel
in the gold mine’ for erosion of democracy and civic rights.  former government official in
Should early warning mechanisms be set in place long Nigeria and a visiting fellow at
in advance of the arrival of Commonwealth observation the Institute of Commonwealth
teams? Is this possible in South Africa and Nigeria?  Studies, University of London
If so, what forms should these take?  Martin Kasirye
Head, Election Support Section,
commonwealth.sas.ac.uk Commonwealth Secretariat