Issue
Misuse of State Resources
Criteria
- Public resources were not abused in support of a particular party or candidate
- The law was clear regarding the extent to which public employees could be involved in a campaign. Public employees were not coerced into voting for a particular candidate or party
- There was a balanced and transparent system for political party financing
- The electoral management body maintained and implemented policies to prevent, address, and penalize acts of corruption, including during the voting process
- The state acted to investigate and address violations of rights. It provided appropriate judicial and administrative means for addressing claims of rights violations, including allegations of electoral fraud
- Sanctions for violations of the electoral law were proportionate, appropriate, and effectively enforced
Summaries
- Electoral legislation should include procedures and a range of penalties aimed at preventing corruption in various sectors.
- Public resources should not be abused in support of a particular political party or candidate.
- No party may receive clandestine or fraudulently obtained financial aid.
- A balanced and transparent system of political party financing should be fostered.
- The law should be clear regarding the extent to which public employees may be involved in a campaign.
- Public employees should not be coerced to vote for a particular party or candidate.
- The legal framework should provide for a general prohibition of abuse of public resources and of official position, clearly stipulating permissible and prohibited practices.
- When public resources are permitted to be used during campaigns, they should be available to all parties and candidates without discrimination.
- A designated independent body should oversee compliance with regulations against misuse of public resources and of official position.
- Regulations against misuse of public resources and of official position may include a prohibition for public officials to campaign while on duty.
- Effective, proportionate, and dissuasive sanctions should be envisaged for misuse of public resources and of official position.
- Misuse of public resources and of official position should be subject to appeals to a judicial or another authorized body.