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"Observation is not confined to the actual polling day but includes ascertaining whether any irregularities have occurred in advance of the elections (e.g. by improper maintenance of electoral lists, obstacles to the registration of candidates, restrictions on freedom of expression, and violations of rules on access to the media or on public funding of electoral campaigns), during the elections (e.g. through pressure exerted on electors, multiple voting, violation of voting secrecy, etc.) or after polling (especially during the vote counting and announcement of the results). Observation should focus particularly on the authorities’ regard for their duty of neutrality.
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CoE (Venice Commission): Code of Good Practice in Electoral Matters, II.3.2.86 (exp. report)Summaries
- The participation of observers, citizen and international, may enhance all aspects of the electoral process.
- Candidates, party agents, and accredited observers should have access to polling stations.
- Candidates or their agents and accredited observers should be allowed to observe the counting and tabulation of the votes.
- Observers should be given copies of all protocols and tabulation sheets.