Ethical behaviour is essential to election integrity. Standards for ethical behaviour vary depending on the social and political context of each country. However, some common principles are universal for ensuring confidence in the way elections are conducted.

The requirement of proper ethnical behavior also applies to all participants in an electoral process. However electoral administrators and others involved in election administration, in particular, 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. 

Codes of Conduct

Many electoral systems formalize principles of ethical behaviour related to elections in codes of conduct. Codes of conduct vary by system and country, but there are often specific codes for candidates, political parties, election officials and workers, as well as the media and accredited observers.

Codes incorporated into the legal or regulatory framework have official binding force. They may specify procedures leading to penalties and sanctions for violations. Other codes set forth standards of behaviour, which participants are expected to follow voluntarily. Some codes specify procedures for alleged violations to be reviewed by code signatories.  Many codes of conduct are the outcome of negotiations among stakeholders in the electoral process.

The following standards of ethical behaviour are among those used in elections around the world:

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 political connections or affiliation.
• Use office facilities (time, space and equipment) to perform official duties, not for personal or partisan purposes.
• Do not pressure other officials or personnel to favour a particular candidate or party , and refrain from intimidating 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. Limit 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 Interest Groups

• 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 laws of the country and the legal framework for elections.
• Obtain accreditation before entering electoral sites.
• Observe and monitor in a professional and neutral manner that does not disrupt the electoral process.
• Act in accordance with international standards and best practices on conduct by international and national observers.
• Refrain from intervening in the voting or other observed electoral process, and seek only to obtain further information and necessary clarification from election officials when a law or electoral procedure appears to be 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 strictly 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 and commentaries that are based on substantiated facts and figures, identify sources, and distinguish between fact and rumour.
• Label opinions as such, and limit them to the editorial or opinion pages.
• Avoid being manipulated by politicians, political parties or special interest groups.
• Do not accept gifts or favors 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 on access and rates.
• Clearly label advertising so that it is not confused with news content or editorial opinion.