9 Results
Quotes
Quotes based on international documents, law, and treaties- "The fact that incumbents and elected representatives, in particular, have access to and control over public sector staff, finances, allocations and public facilities, is crucial during electoral campaigns, because it may confer an advantage over the competitors in elections. Administrative resources can also be used to acquire prestige or public awareness, to enhance the perception of incumbents, elected representatives and candidates by the public, which may lead to political endorsement or other forms of support."
- "Freedoms of expression, assembly, association and movement without discrimination are prerequisites for a democratic election process. For there to be an open and fairly contested campaign, it is crucial that there is opportunity for all candidates, political parties, and their supporters – regardless of whether they are in favour of incumbents or opposition – to promote their policies, hold meetings and travel around the country. The electorate should be informed on their range of choice of parties and candidates."
- "Where possible, professionals familiar with the electoral framework of a country should be appointed to administer a country’s elections. A common provision requires that at least some members of EMBs, at every level, have a background or training in law. Such a provision is reasonable but may present a problem for lower-level bodies and polling stations. EMBs comprising political party representatives also have advantages and disadvantages. Provision such as those requiring that EMB membership must include party representatives or judges, who are ultimately appointed by the incumbent party, obviously will impact on an EMB’s independence and impartiality. Generally, people have political credibility, such as members of civil society or those from the judiciary, might be more suitable for appointment to the EMB. Any conflict of interest, especially where the EMB is party-based, should be disclosed by the appointment of members in advance. The age of retirement for the members of the EMB should at least be same as for a judge of the highest court of that country, although retired judges could also be considered for these positions."
- "If there are no credible opposition candidates, unreasonable restrictions on the formation or conduct of political parties or candidates, or no reasonable prospect that voters would have the power to vote incumbents out of office, then the genuineness of elections is called into question."
- "Unfair incumbency advantages should be addressed and the use of state resources that are not made available to all candidates in the electoral campaign should be prohibited."
- "[W]hile the incumbent will get media coverage concerning state affairs, campaign events should not be confused with issues of state."
- "While the incumbents may get media coverage concerning their official duties, this should not be misused as a means to give them an unfair advantage, and campaign events should not be confused with the issues of State."
- "The legal framework must establish effective mechanisms to prevent public officials from taking unfair advantage of their positions in order to influence the outcome of elections. Provisions regarding permissible uses of state resources should clearly apply to both incumbent and opposition political forces, and should not favor or discriminate against any party or candidate."
- "The use of public resources for the performance of parliamentary duties may be limited or suspended in proximity to elections to minimize the structural advantages of incumbency and the appearance of a self-protecting cartel of parties in parliament."