Ban proxy voting

Encourage competition between at least two candidates for every position; discard confusing voting procedures allowing Village Chair candidates to be considered for Committee members

Implement a methodical, transparent vote counting procedure

Implement procedures for the consistent handling of voter identification cards

Explore ways to rectify the haphazard handling of ballots and registration lists at the local level

Alternatively, consider eliminating voter registration entirely and allow either a)voting on the basis of tribal registration or b)day-of-election registration

Explore ways to encourage tribal members to notify the tribal register of name/address changes; establish shorter deadlines before elections; allow anyone whose 18th birthday falls within the period up to election day to register to vote

Replace notarized absentee ballots with “absentee walk-ins;” reconsider “no excuse” absentee voting

Absentee ballots should be cast for chief and deputy chief only

Poll worker manual should explain how to handle exceptions more precisely

Guarantee watchers’ presence; watchers’ rules should be less restrictive, allowing witnesses to raise questions and receive a form to complete at the end of the day

Revise method for selecting the election commission; consider popularly electing members and making election commission staff permanent through the period between elections

Ensure ruling and opposition parties cooperate to establish common rules of democratic conduct

Emphasize federalism and local government authority and provide for a reinvigorated judiciary to maintain the rule of law

The Ministry of Civil Affair (MCA) should carefully monitor provincial measures and work with the National People's Congress (NPC) to seek any appropriate amendments to the Organic Law or implementing regulations

Select alternate VEC members at the beginning of the process to avoid massive resignation of VEC members at the time of the election

Provide better training of poll workers on the basis of an instructive election conduct manual which authoritatively covers all relevant issues; training of poll workers and VEC members should always include conducting mock elections

Clearly state in administrative instructions that nomination forms and ballot papers can only be handed out to voters subsequent to a check of their appearance in the registration list, marking their names in the registration list, and marking of the voter ID

Set aside time for voters to question candidates at election time

Phase out the unfair system of allowing candidates more than one opportunity to be elected to the VC

Maintain several meters of open space between the counting stations and voters interested in finding out the election outcome

Essential - Guarantees for freedom of expression, assembly and movement.
Addressed to - Legislative Branch; CNE.
Possible Improvements Suggested - According to International standards, the full enjoyment of rights protected by article 25 of the ICCPR requires freedom to debate public affairs, hold peaceful demonstrations, and meetings, criticize and oppose, public political material, campaign for election and advertises political ideas.
The right of peaceful assembly shall be recognised. No restrictions may be placed on the exercise of the right to peaceful assembly other than those imposed in conformity with the law and which are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of national security or public safety, public order, the protection of public health or morals or the protection of the rights and freedom of others.
According to best international practice, the campaign is regulated by law and or administrative regulations that ensure equal opportunity for all candidates and political parties to campaign freely without unreasonable restriction.
Timeline - In time for the next elections.

Essential - The introduction of an exception to the principle of “Preclusion” (In the case of suspected fraud, ballot stuffing or manipulation of the results form, a ballot box should be quarantined at the CDE level in order to ascertain the recommended action and if deemed applicable the ballot box should be opened and results adjusted accordingly (by the CDE) or a new election called if an irreconcilable difference is discovered).
Addressed to - CNE; Legislative Branch.
Possible Improvements Suggested - According to international standards, there should be independent scrutiny of the results process and access to judicial review or other equivalent process so that electors have the confidence that the results reflect the votes cast and the counting of the votes. Best international practices dictate that there are procedures that allow for election results to be challenged in an effective and timely manner and that courts make rulings on challenges before the final results are certified.
Timeline - In time for the next elections.

Desirable - Develop and publicise a Code of Conduct clarifying and specifying the role of public officials and employees and their obligations to their staff with regards to the campaign and the electoral process.
Addressed to - Congress and Civil Servants.
Possible Improvements Suggested - This code of conduct will include reference to the law with regards to the use of public resources and publicly campaigning during office hours. It will also cover the crime of extortion, which negates the possibility to automatically discount part of government employee’s salary in support of an electoral campaign.
Timeline - In time for the next elections.

Desirable - A new logical numeration of polling stations to facilitate voters in locating their polling station.
Addressed to - CNE.
Timeline - With the development of the new voter register.