Political Party Monitors

Political parties are in the best position to assess the political environment, and to identify the obstacles to free campaigning as well as the implications of the choice of electoral system. This is especially true of parties that can establish a presence at all polling stations on election day. Political party monitors are therefore an essential component in maintaining election integrity. [1]

Political party monitors are agents of the political parties competing in an election. In most systems they are given the authority not only to monitor the electoral process but to intervene if they believe that legal requirements are not being respected. They can also contribute directly to the administrative process by signing ballots and tally sheets to validate them, and by participating in voting administration and vote counting. This is a voluntary role in most systems, and voting and the count go ahead even if no political party monitor is present.

The roles played by monitors and candidates differ. Candidates campaign, working to convince voters to support them. Monitors are observers and should not attempt to influence those they are observing. Monitoring must be performed in an impartial and professional manner. The very presence of candidates may create a danger of tension and conflict. Even if candidates do not behave in a threatening manner, voters may feel intimidated by their presence and lack confidence in the secrecy of their vote, particularly in areas characterized by inter-party conflict and violence. [2] For this reason, election regulations should prohibit the presence of candidates within polling stations, in keeping with international practice.

Party agents who are well trained in the various aspects of the election law and regulations will be best able to monitor the proceedings and protect the interests of their party. However, their role will be constructive only if they understand exactly what is expected of them, what their rights and responsibilities are, and what they are not permitted to do. Political parties must ensure that each of their agents is properly trained, and prepared to abide by the electoral code of conduct and all other applicable regulations.

To protect the integrity of the process and the interests of their party and candidates, monitors must perform the following tasks:

• Check the voter registration lists to make sure that they are accurate, that the voters really exist and are not registered more than once, and that no ineligible persons have been registered. Monitors may also verify whether their party’s supporters have been able to register without interference or other problems. * Ask questions as soon as something irregular or suspicious occurs during registration, voting or the counting of ballots. If an acceptable answer is not received from the election authorities, a complaint should be made in writing. This may be done through the official complaints process, using the proper forms and attaching all supporting documentation required. A copy of the complaint may also be sent to the monitor’s political party or candidate, domestic and international observers, and the media.
• Sign the records of votes cast and the tally sheets to certify the accuracy of the information in the reports. If there is a discrepancy between the official report and what the monitors have observed, the monitors are usually able to note their disagreement on the official form. Monitors should obtain a copy of any report they have signed.
• Undertake a parallel vote count using the copies of the tally sheets collected from each polling site monitored. The parallel count may be compared to the official results and monitors should report any discrepancy immediately through the official complaints mechanism. Copies of the disputed tally sheets should be attached to the complaint. Domestic and international observers, as well as the media, may be given a copy of the complaint.
• Validate electoral materials to certify that they are official and in order. This can be done by signing the back of a ballot before it is handed to a voter so as to certify that it is official and blank, and by ensuring that only ballots signed by the monitors are counted as valid ballots.
• Sign the official results to certify their accuracy.

NOTES

[1] International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, The Future of International Electoral Observation: Lessons Learned and Recommendations, 1999.

[2] Electoral Commission of South Africa, “Code of Conduct for Political Parties,” Election Administration Manual of South Africa, Ch. 5, 1995, p. 28.