Political parties set out their platforms and select candidates to represent them in elections. They compete in elections to win the support of voters. They provide balance in safeguarding election integrity by working to ensure that other parties or candidates do not abuse the process, manipulate the election results or receive preferential treatment. Their vigilance plays an important role in maintaining an honest electoral process.

Positive Effect on Integrity

To ensure that their political interests are protected, political parties and candidates can observe the electoral process. Most political parties closely monitor the entire process, including how the election management body is established, how candidate and voter registration is conducted, how other candidates and parties campaign, how voting and vote counting proceed, and how results are announced. This enables them to identify cheating, discrimination or other deviations from the regulations. Monitors usually have authority to intervene in the process if they believe laws or regulations are not being followed. Sometimes they may certify election documents (e.g. vote tallies) with their signatures. If they find they are not allowed equal access to the process, they can file a complaint with the electoral body; this helps electoral administrators or policy bodies to identify problems and increase the credibility and transparency of the process.

Through monitoring, political parties and candidates play a checks-and-balances role throughout the election process. Reports that bring to light a large number of irregularities may spark public debate and trigger public support for electoral reforms or corrective measures. Positive reports may allay public concerns about integrity issues and foster public trust in the system.

Negative Effect on Integrity

However, because they have a stake in the outcome of elections and compete with each other during campaigns, political parties and candidates may also give rise to integrity problems. They may attempt to bypass the system or use unethical methods to win an election or challenge the election results. For example, a dominant party may monopolize the media and receive preferential media treatment. A ruling party may misuse government resources for campaign purposes. Smaller parties might boycott the process, claiming it was not fair or above-board.

This is why some electoral systems use a code of conduct to regulate the behaviour of political parties, candidates and their supporters during an election. Codes of conduct should be adapted to the special circumstances of each electoral system. In older democracies, where campaign financing may be an issue, ethical codes contain detailed instructions on what should and should not be done during campaigns. In countries in transition, the codes focus mainly on ruling out the use of violence and promoting acceptance of election results.