Ethical behaviour is essential to election integrity. Ethics embodies the ideals we should strive for and how we should behave. Standards for ethical behaviour vary depending on the social and political context of each country. However, some common basic principles are required for free and fair elections.

Electoral administrators and others involved in election administration must adhere to their country’s constitution and laws, which provide the framework for their efforts. Electoral administrators and election officers must perform their duties for the public good, and must not use their position for personal or partisan gain.

Most electoral systems formalize principles of ethical behaviour in codes of conduct that spell out the details of the behaviour expected. Codes of conduct vary by system and country, but there are usually codes for political parties, lobbyists, the media and accredited observers.

The codes incorporated into the legal or regulatory framework have binding legal force. They specify penalties and sanctions for code violations. Other codes are standards of behaviour, which participants follow voluntarily. They are usually the outcome of negotiations between the stakeholders in the electoral process. The ethical conduct of voters is regulated by each country’s laws protecting persons and property; it is enforced through the justice system.

The following standards of ethical behaviour are usually expected during a free and fair election:

Standards for Electoral Administrators and Election Officers

• Uphold the constitution and abide by the legal framework, its rules and regulations.
• Maintain a neutral approach in performing the duties of office. This includes not giving any preferential treatment or displaying political party logos, symbols or colours.
• Do not accept anything of value (money, offers of employment, gifts, travel, etc.) in exchange for preferential treatment or access to official or non-public information.
• Do not discriminate against anyone on the basis of race, colour, religion, class, gender, national origin, age or disability.
• Hire staff for their professional skills, not their political affiliation.
• Use office facilities (time, space and equipment) to perform office duties, not for personal or partisan purposes.
• Do not pressure other officials or personnel to favour a particular candidate, and do not intimidate them from doing so.
• Disclose financial information on a regular basis, as required by law.
• Inform the appropriate authorities of cases of waste, fraud, abuse or corruption.

Standards for Political Parties and Candidates

• Abide by the legal framework and electoral regulations.
• Reject all violence, and do not incite supporters to violent or criminal behaviour.
• Respect the rights of other parties and avoid interfering with other campaigns. Refrain from negative campaigning and personal attacks on other candidates or their supporters.
• Respect the right of voters to obtain information. Do not pressure them to vote for a particular party or candidate, and do not intimidate them from doing so.
• Respect the right of the media to cover campaigns.
• Facilitate the work of domestic and international observers, and do not obstruct monitoring by other political parties.
• Abide by the official election results.

Standards for Lobbyists

• Abide by the legal framework and related regulations.
• Maintain a professional approach in dealings with other participants in the electoral process.
• Fully disclose funds spent during lobbying activities, as required by law.
• Reject all violence, harassment or intimidation directed toward other participants in the electoral process.
• Respect the right of voters to obtain political information. Do not pressure them to endorse or vote for a particular party or candidate, and do not intimidate them from doing so.
• Respect the right of the media to carry varied political reports on the campaign, and to present opposing opinions and advertisements.
• Accept the official election results.

Standards for Observers

• Respect the sovereignty of the country, its laws and its legal framework for elections.
• Obtain accreditation before entering electoral sites.
• Observe and monitor in a professional and neutral manner that will not disrupt the electoral process.
• Intervene only when a law or electoral procedure is being violated or ignored.
• Disclose the observation goals and objectives in reporting on all dealings with political actors, the public and the press.
• Report accurately and without exaggeration, after observing enough of the process and visiting sufficient electoral sites to ensure that the report is representative of the actual situation.
• Remain independent (non-partisan).

Standards for the Media

• Respect the laws of the country and the principles of freedom of the press.
• Ensure that voters have access to news about the electoral process.
• Provide accurate and balanced reports that substantiate published facts and figures, identify sources, and distinguish between fact and rumour.
• Label opinions as opinions, and limit them to the editorial or opinion pages.
• Avoid being manipulated by politicians, political parties or special interest groups.
• Do not accept gifts from newsmakers, politicians or others that might compromise journalistic integrity.
• Avoid bidding for stories or paying for information.
• Provide equal treatment to all political advertisers, including advertising access and rates.
• Clearly label advertising so that it is not confused with news.