# The Electoral Commission says an unhindered, independent press is a foundational pillar of free and fair elections. Article 8 of the Electoral Code of Conduct explicitly sets out the strict relationship between political parties, candidates, and the news media. IEC chairperson Mosotho Moepya has called on political leaders and candidates to refrain from, and robustly protect journalists against, any harassment or harm, whether physically on the ground covering election gatherings or digitally online. He stressed that journalists must never be singled out at political rallies in ways that could provoke harmful conduct.
IEC stresses independent press is foundational pillar of free and fair elections