media, and their responsibilities, is important in reflecting on the role each media plays in political and election reporting. Electoral Act (Chapter 2:13) Section 160E–K of the Electoral Act sets out the parameters of the media’s coverage of elections. Specifically, the Act provides for:     Access to broadcast media; Political advertising in print and broadcast media; Conduct of news media in an election; and Monitoring of the news media during elections, which is a responsibility of the ZEC. Statutory Instrument 33 of 2008 The ZEC (Media Coverage of Elections) Regulations 2008 (SI 33 of 2008), sets regulations on:      Election programmes to be broadcast; Equal allocation of airtime especially on the public broadcaster; Election adverts; The media’s conduct in an election; and An appeal mechanism for aggrieved parties. 12.2 Media Environment The period leading up to the elections was relatively peaceful with no major incidences recorded from proclamation on 30 May to voting on 30 July 2018. However, the post-voting period saw several violations against the media reported. A total of seven violations against media personnel were recorded between 01 and 03 August 2018.51 Table 12.1 below shows the cases. Table 12.1: Violations against the Media Media personnel Perpetrator Details Journalists Army Journalists ordered to switch off equipment during riots on 1 August 51 Media Monitors Election coverage report 69 | P a g e