Summary
Public resources should not be abused in support of a particular political party or candidate.
Obligations
Election Parts
Criteria
Quotes
- They solemnly declare that among those elements of justice which are essential to the full expression of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all human beings are the following: (5.4) a clear separation between the State and political parties; in particular, political parties will not be merged with the State.
- It [the legal framework] must require that government resources not be used for electoral advantage of any party, candidate or group supporting or opposing referenda or other ballot initiatives.
- It is the responsibility of the government not to abuse state resources, both human and material (i.e. vehicles, office space and telecommunications), in support of its own candidates.
- …resources [should be]...distributed in amounts and at times that do not unfairly disadvantage any contestants.
- Public resources should not be used unfairly.
- Government office space, vehicles, and telecommunications equipment should not be used for partisan purposes unless equal access is provided to all contestants.
- Contrary to the case of elections, it is not necessary to prohibit completely intervention by the authorities in support of or against the proposal submitted to a referendum. However, the public authorities (national, regional and local) must not influence the outcome of the vote by excessive, one-sided campaigning. The use of public funds by the authorities for campaigning purposes must be prohibited.
- The use of public funds by the authorities for campaigning purposes must be prohibited.
- The fairness of a campaign will be undermined where state resources are unreasonably used to favour the campaign of one candidate or political party. State resources – such as the use of public buildings for campaign events – should be available on an equitable basis to all contestants.
- Apart from different forms of funding provided for by law, any party must refrain from receiving assistance, financial or in kind, from any public authorities, particularly those directed by its members.
- 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.
- To allow for the effective regulation of the use of state resources, legislation should clearly define what use is permitted and what is prohibited.
- State resources should not be diverted or misused for campaign purposes. All state resources used for campaign purposes, such as media, buildings and event venues, must be made available to all electoral contestants on the basis of equal treatment, and disclosed or reported accordingly.
- To allow for the effective regulation of the use of state resources, legislation should clearly define what use is permitted and what is prohibited.
- State resources should not be diverted or misused for campaign purposes. All state resources used for campaign purposes, such as media, buildings and event venues, must be made available to all electoral contestants on the basis of equal treatment, and disclosed or reported accordingly.
- 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.
- In the interest of creating conditions for a level playing field for all political parties and promoting the integrity of the electoral process, parties should not misuse public funds in the electoral process. The electoral law should prohibit the Government to aid or to abet any party gaining unfair advantage.
- 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.