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.