Political parties are in the
best position to assess the political environment, identify the obstacles to
free campaigning, and understand the political dimensions of the electoral
system itself. 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 (observers)
are representatives of the political parties competing in an election. In most
systems they are given authority not only to passively monitor the
electoral process but to intervene in some manner (such as making an objection
or withholding their signature on electoral documents) if they believe that
legal requirements are not being respected.
Party monitors also contribute
directly to the administrative process by co-signing tally sheets and other
electoral materials to validate them, and often by participating in voting procedures
and vote counting. This is a voluntary role in most countries, as voting and
the count must go ahead even if no political party monitor is present. But in many countries, political party
representatives are actually the sole election workers on polling boards.
The roles played by political
party 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 should be performed in a
professional manner and political party representatives must avoid taking an
overtly partisan approach to their duties. This is especially true since such actions could lead voters to conclude
that the secrecy of their vote could be compromised by the presence of such
persons in the polling station.
The very presence of
candidates in a polling station may create an atmosphere of tension and
conflict. Even if candidates do not actually 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] This
is especially true in the situation where such candidates are also elected
politicians or government officials. For this reason, election regulations
should prohibit the presence of candidates within polling stations, and prevent
government (including local government) officials from making more than brief
visits, in keeping with international practice.
Party or candidate agents who are well trained in the
various aspects of election law and regulations will be best able not only to
monitor the proceedings but more directly protect the interests of their candidate
or party. The role of a party agent is considerably different that a party
observer, as there are usually many less agents present at election
facilities, and they generally have authority to raise and pursue issues with the
electoral authorities.
The role of both party/candidate agents and monitors will only be constructive
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 or monitors 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 may –
according to the specific election law and regulations – perform the following
tasks:
- Check the voter
registration lists to make sure that they appear accurate, the voters are
not registered more than once, and no ineligible persons have been
registered. If present at voter registration facilities, political party monitors
may also observe 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 and submitted
in a contemporaneous manner. 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 (indirectly) to 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, or otherwise to withhold their
signatures. Monitors should also obtain a validated copy of any voting report
they have signed.
- Support a parallel vote
count based on 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.
- Sign the official results to certify their accuracy.
[1] International Institute for Democracy and Electoral
Assistance, The Future of International Electoral Observation: Lessons
Learned and Recommendations, 1999
[2] See,
e.g., Electoral Commission of South Africa, “Code of Conduct
for Political Parties,” Election Administration Manual of South Africa,
Chap. 5, 1995, p. 28.
