"The media is the lifeblood of an election," writes Adnan Rehmat in this compelling blog.

"This year, this month, with elections barely a fortnight away, is an alarming case in point for the country."

Arguing that the quality of the upcoming elections is going to be compromised if political parties are not allowed to do politics and media is not allowed to do good journalism, he makes a strong case for both constitutionally guaranteed freedoms to be protected.

He writes:

Considering that media perceptions are critical in influencing public opinion, an intimidated media cannot help the electorate navigate the minefield of competing narratives amidst rising political temperatures by snipping away misinformation and conspiracy theories and providing the necessary information and analysis that helps people form informed opinions to make meaningful electoral choices.

Read his excellent assessment here.