I am pleased to introduce a timely publication about two things that are central to the Commonwealth’s vision of democratic society: good elections and good media. Elections are the fulcrum of democracy. They are the most obvious manifestation of the fact that citizens can have a say in how they are governed, and that they can exercise a sacred right by casting a vote. The media, meanwhile, holds up a mirror to society. It informs, it educates, it entertains. A free, lively and responsible media is a prerequisite for a functioning democracy, as much at election times as in between. Good elections and good media are not things apart: they are intertwined. Manoah Esipisu and Isaac E Khaguli have skilfully brought the two strands together, with the simple and powerful thesis that the media can and should have a major and a responsible role in bringing about the success of an election.