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Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Article 3: Electoral Wards Votes for members of Parliament of the Czech Republic shall becast within existing electoral wards as established in accordance with a separate Act. 3)
Article 26 For the purpose of elections to the Chamber of Delegates, the territory of the Czech Republic shall be divided into constituencies electoral regions in which the elections shall be held on the principle of proportional representation.
Source: Electoral Law: Act of Law 247/1995 Coll., on elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic (amended by 480/2006 Coll.), art. 3, 26, 59.
https://www.psp.cz/en/docs/laws/1995/247.html
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CZ/czech-republic-act-no.-247-on-elections-to-the/view (2017)
Verified: 2023/09/14
BD002
Question: The authority responsible for final approval of the constituency boundaries is:
Answer(s):
a . The legislature (national/subnational)
Comments:
Source: Law on Parliamentary Elections article 2 paragraph 1 and Law on Election Districts article 3.
Article 8 of Act No. 152/1994 Sb., on Elections to Local Authority Councils and Boards, and on Amendments to Certain Other Acts
Verified: 2002/06/26
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
a . "Equality" of population d . Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries g . Other
Comments: Article 26: The elections to the Chamber of Deputies are held in all election regions of the Czech Republic in compliance with the principle of proportional representation. Each higher self-governed unit defined by special legal regulations is regarded as an election region.
Article 59: (1) In total, 81 election districts are created within the territory of the Czech Republic for the purpose of the elections to the Senate. One Senator is elected in each election district. A list of election districts is attached to this act of law as Appendix No. 3.
(2) Should the population of any election district in the Czech Republic increase or decrease by 15 per cent in comparison with the average number of citizens per mandate, the territory of election districts shall be modified accordingly. Such modification shall be carried out only in the years in which the elections to the Senate are held.
Source: Electoral Law: Act of Law 247/1995 Coll., on elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic (amended by 480/2006 Coll.), art. 3, 26, 59.
https://www.psp.cz/en/docs/laws/1995/247.html
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CZ/czech-republic-act-no.-247-on-elections-to-the/view (2017)
Verified: 2018/02/16
BD004
Question: If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?
Answer:
a . Total population
Comments: Article 59: 1) For the purpose of elections to the Senate the territory of the Czech Republic shall be divided into eighty-one constituencies - electoral divisions, each returning one Senator. Boundaries of the electoral divisions shall be delineated by Annex 3 which shall be integral part of this Act.
(2) Should, the population in any electoral division either decrease or increase by fifteen per cent compared to the average number of inhabitants represented in the Czech Republic by one constituency seat, the boundaries of electoral divisions shall be revised. This revision shall not take effect in years other than those in which elections to the Senate have been called.
Source: Act 1995 - 247 on Elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic, No. 247/1995 Coll., as amended
Verified: 2018/02/16
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
a . Legislature (1st chamber) b . Legislature (2nd chamber) e . Electoral Management Body (EMB)
Comments: Legislature is responsible for drawing boundaries since the districts are determined by the law and the legislative power in the Czech Republic is vested in the Parliament, which consists of two chambers.
Electoral Law: Article 8: (2) The State Electoral Commission i) draws the election regions to which special election districts abroad are to be submitted.
Source: Electoral Law: Act of Law 247/1995 Coll., on elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic (amended by 480/2006 Coll.), art. 3, 8, 26, 59.
https://www.psp.cz/en/docs/laws/1995/247.html
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CZ/czech-republic-act-no.-247-on-elections-to-the/view (2017)
ACT No. 275 of 27 September 1995
on Elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic and on the Amendment of Certain Other Laws
Section 8, (2i)
Verified: 2023/09/14
BD006
Question: What statistical or other reasons trigger the redrawing of electoral constituency boundaries?
Answer(s):
c . Changes in numbers of registered voters
Comments: The number of voters in the election districts may deviate from minus 3% up to plus 3% in regard to the average number of voters in the election district.
Source: Law on Parliamentary Elections article 2 paragraph 2.
Verified: 2023/09/14
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
c . Directly elected in general elections (absolute majority with 2nd round if necessary)
Comments: The President of the Republic is elected directly in a national popular vote. The candidate having received more than a half majority of valid votes of rightful voters is elected for the office of the President of the Republic. In the event of absence of such a candidate a second electoral round should be held 14 days after commencement of the first electoral round which the two most successful candidates from the first electoral round proceed onto. Should the candidates receive equal number of votes, all candidates having received the plurality of votes of rightful voters shall proceed onto the second electoral round and should there not be at least two such candidates, also candidates having received the second highest number of votes of rightful voters shall proceed onto the second electoral round.
Source: Constitution as amended by Act 71/2012 Sb., art. 54, 56: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Czech_Republic_2013?lang=en (2017)
Verified: 2023/09/14
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
e . Appointed
Comments: Art. 68: (2) The Prime Minister shall be appointed by the President of the Republic who shall appoint on the Prime Minister's proposal the other members of the Government and shall entrust them with the direction of individual ministries or other agencies.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Czech Republic of December 16, 1992 (Amended by Act No. 515/2002 Coll.), art. 68.
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Czech_Republic_2013?lang=en (2017)
Verified: 2023/09/14
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The President of the Republic is the Head of State.
Source: Constitution as amended by Act 71/2012 Sb., art. 54: https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Czech_Republic_2013?lang=en (2017)
Verified: 2023/09/14
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
b . Two chambers
Comments: Art. 15:
(1) Legislative power in the Czech Republic shall be vested in the Parliament.
(2) The Parliament shall have two chambers which shall be the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Czech Republic of December 16, 1992 (Amended by Act No. 515/2002 Coll.), art. 15.
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Czech_Republic_2013?lang=en (2017)
Verified: 2023/09/14
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
g . List Proportional Representation
Comments: Art. 18: (1) Elections to the Chamber of Deputies shall be held by secret ballot on the basis of universal, equal and direct suffrage and under the principles of proportional representation.
Art. 1: The Chamber of Delegates of the Czech Republic shall be elected on the principle of proportional representation.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Czech Republic of December 16, 1992 (Amended by Act No. 515/2002 Coll.), art. 18.
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Czech_Republic_2013?lang=en (2017)
Electoral Law: Act of Law 247/1995 Coll., on elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic (amended by 480/2006 Coll.), art. 1.
Verified: 2023/09/14
ES006
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 2 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
d . Two-Round System
Comments: Article 18: 2. Elections to the Senate shall be held by secret ballot on the basis of universal, equal, and direct right to vote, according to the principle of majority rule.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Czech Republic of December 16, 1992 (Amended by Act No. 515/2002 Coll.), art. 18.
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Czech_Republic_2013?lang=en (2017)
Verified: 2018/02/16
ES007
Question: If List PR is used, is a highest average formula used?
Answer:
a . d'Hondt Formula
Comments: (interview with Petra Wagnerova, Election Law Expert, Ministry of the Interior) The d'Hondt Formula is used in the Czech republic for the elctions to the House of Deputies. For the elections to the Sentate there is no list PR used.
Source: Section 50-51, 75-76 of the electoral act on elections to the Parliament of the Czech republic (Law Digest no. 247/1995 as amended)
Verified: 2002/04/02
ES008
Question: What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 1?
Answer(s):
c . Regional/provincial level
Comments: The Czech Republic is administratively divided into 14 regions. Same regions are used as electoral constituencies for the elections to the House of Deputies.
Source: Section 26 of the Electoral Act on Elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic (Law Digest no. 247/1995 as amended)
Verified: 2023/09/14
ES009
Question: What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 2?
Answer(s):
b . Specially delimited constituencies
Comments: 81 constituencies are established for each of the 81 seats in the Senate.
Source: Schedule No.3 of the Electoral Act on Elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic (Law Digest no. 247/1995 as amended)
Verified: 2002/06/12
ES010
Question: Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 1 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: Any Czech national who is a member of a minority stands as a candidate for the election under the same conditions as any other Czech national.
Source: Constitution, Ch.2, Art.19
Verified: 2002/06/11
ES012
Question: Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 2 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: Any Czech national who is a member of a minority stands as a candidate for the election under the same conditions as any other Czech national.
Source: Constitution, Ch.2, Art.19
Verified: 2002/06/11
ES014
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 1?
Answer:
b . Specify the percentage:
Comments: The candidate lists of political parties and movements which do not obtain at least 5% of all valid votes do not pass scrutiny. In the case of coalitions, requirements are that 2 parties or movements combined must have 10%, 3 combined must have 15%, and 4 or more combined must have 20% of the total number of valid votes.
Source: Article 49 of the Electoral Act on Elections to the Parliament (Law Digest no. 247/1995)
Verified: 2002/06/11
ES015
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 2?
Answer:
a . No minimum
Comments: For elections to the Senate, individuals stand as candidates and there are not any party lists. The winner is the candidate who obtains the absolute majority of valid votes. If none do so, a second round of elections is held. Only the 2 candidates who obtain the most votes in the first round move into the second round. The one who obtains more votes in the second round wins. If there is a tie, the winner is chosen by lot.
Source: Articles 75-76 of the Electoral Act on Elections to the Parliament (Law Digest no. 247/1995 as amended)
Verified: 2002/06/11
ES016
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 1?
Answer:
b . Specify the percentage:
Comments: A candidate to the House of Deputies can stand as a candidate just like a part of a list of candidates for a political party, movement or coalition. The candidate lists of political parties and movements which do not obtain at least 5% of all valid votes do not pass scrutiny. In the case of coalitions, requirements are that 2 parties or movements combined must have 10%, 3 combined must have 15%, and 4 or more combined must have 20% of the total number of valid votes.
Source: Article 49 of the Electoral Act on Elections to the Parliament (Law Digest no. 247/1995)
Verified: 2002/06/11
ES017
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 2?
Answer:
b . Specify the percentage:
Comments: (interview with EMB official, Petra Wagnerova, Election Law Expert, Ministry of the Interior) In the elections to the Senate, individuals stand as candidates and there are not any party lists. The winner is the candidate who obtains the absolute majority of valid votes. If none do so, a second round of elections is held. Only the 2 candidates who obtain the most votes in the first round move into the second round. The one who obtains more votes in the second round wins. If there is a tie, the winner is chosen by lot.
Source: Articles 75-76 of the electoral act on elections to the Parliament (Law Digest no. 247/1995 as amended)
Verified: 2002/05/15
ES018
Question: Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 1, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
Answer(s):
a . At fixed intervals (specify length)
Comments: a.) 4 years
Elections to the House of Deputies and Senate must be held within a term beginning on the thirtieth day prior to the expiration of the electoral term and ending on the day of its expiration.
The elections are called by the President at least 90 days before they are held. The elections for the House of Deptuties are usually held in May or June.
Source: Constitution, Art. 16-17
Section 1, Part 3 (Articles 56-80) of the Electoral Act on Elections to the Parliament (Law Digest no. 247/1995 as amended)
Verified: 2002/06/26
ES019
Question: Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 2, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
Answer(s):
a . At fixed intervals (specify length)
Comments: a.) Senators serve for 6 years. Every 2 years, elections are held for one third of the Senate seats. The Senate elections are usually held in November.
Elections to the House of Deputies and the Senate must be held within a term beginning on the thirtieth day prior to the expiration of the electoral term and ending on the day of its expiration.
The elections must be called by the President at least 90 days in advance before election day.
Source: Constitution, Art. 16-18
Section 1, Part 3 (Articles 56-80) of the Electoral Act on Elections to Parliament (Law Digest no. 247/1995 as amended)
Verified: 2002/06/26
ES020
Question: Regarding Chamber 1 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
Answer:
b . Voting takes place over a period of 2 or more days
Comments: b.) Voting for the House of Deputies takes place on Friday and Saturday.
Source: Section 1, Part 4 of the Electoral Act on Elections to Parliament (Law Digest no. 247/1995 as amended)
Verified: 2002/06/11
ES021
Question: Regarding Chamber 2 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
Answer:
b . Voting takes place over a period of 2 or more days
Comments: (interview with EMB official, Petra Wagnerova, Election Law Expert, Ministry of the Interior) Voting for the Senate takes place on a Friday and Saturday.
Source: Section 1, Part 4 of the electoral act on elections to Parliament (Law Digest no. 247/1995 as amended)
Verified: 2023/09/14
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Part of Constitution b . Separate legislation c . Decree d . Regulations or administrative rules
Comments:
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Czech Republic of December 16, 1992 (Amended by Act No. 515/2002 Coll.)
Electoral Law: Act of Law 247/1995 Coll., on elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic (amended by 480/2006 Coll.)
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Czech_Republic_2013?lang=en
Act 2000 - 130 on the Election to Regional Councils: ZÁKON o volbách do zastupitelstev krajů a o změně některých zákonů.
https://www.zakonyprolidi.cz/cs/2000-130
Act 2001 - 491 on the Election to Municipal Councils: ZÁKON ze dne 6. prosince 2001 o volbách do zastupitelstev obcí a o změně některých zákonů.
Act of Law No. 424/1991 Coll., of October 2nd, 1991, on association in political parties and political movements, as amended by 342/2006 Coll.
https://www.zakonyprolidi.cz/cs/2001-491
Decree No. 233/2000 Coll. Implement certain provisions of Act No. 247/1995 Coll. Elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic and amending certain other Acts, as amended by Act No. 212/1996 Coll., The Constitutional Court published under No. 243/1999 Coll. and Act No. 204/2000 Coll., as amended by Decree No 80/2002 Coll. Decree No. 188/2002 Coll. Decree No. 401/2002 Coll. Decree No. 565/2002 Coll. and Decree No 251/2006 Coll.
Decree No 118/2006 Coll., Which determine the embassies, which will be the elections to the Chamber of Deputies of ballots delivered, and embassies, which will be sent a ballot paper for printing and reproduction of the transmission technology .
Decree No. 396/2003 Coll. Laying down more detailed conditions and how the composition and the composition of the deposit refund and reimbursement of election expenses in connection with the holding of elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic, as amended by Decree No. 345/2006 Coll.
Act No. 130/2000 Coll. Elections to regional councils and amending some laws, amended by Act No. 273/2001 Coll., Act No 37/2002 Coll., Act No. 230/2002 Coll. Act No. 309/2002 Coll., Act No 96/2005 Coll. and the Constitutional Court published under No. 283/2005.
Decree No. 152/2000 Coll. Implement certain provisions of Act No. 130/2000 Coll. Elections to regional councils and amending some laws, amended by Decree No. 401/2002 Coll. Decree No. 565/2002 Coll. and Decree No 251/2006 Coll.
Act No. 491/2001 Coll. Elections to municipalities and amending some laws, amended by Act No. 230/2002 Coll., Act No. 309/2002 Coll., Act No 96/2005 Coll. and the Constitutional Court published under No. 283/2005 Coll.
Decree No 59/2002 Coll. Implement certain provisions of Act No. 491/2001 Coll. Elections to municipalities and amending some laws, amended by Decree No. 401/2002 Coll. Decree No. 565/2002 Coll. and Decree No 251/2006 Coll.
Ministry of Finance Directive No. 124/1354/2002, V / CR, which governs the procedure for municipalities, counties and district authorities in the financing of elections to municipal councils, regional authorities and the Parliament of the Czech Republic, as amended by the Ministry of Finance dated 3 January 2003, No. 009/2002 124/123.
Ministry of Finance Directive of 11 March 2004 No. 124/42 055/2004, V / CR, which governs the procedure for municipalities and counties to finance the European Parliament elections.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Directive No. 227 J. 467/2002-FIO, the procedure and method of financing the elections to the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic abroad.
Act No 275 of 27 September 1995 on Elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic and on the Amendment of Certain Other Laws
Verified: 2023/09/14
LF002
Question: What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?
Answer:
a . January 2000 or later
Comments: The most recent amendment to the Electoral Act no. 247/1995 was added in April 2002 (no. 171/2002LD).
https://www.psp.cz/en/docs/laws/1995/247.html
The Electoral Act on Regional Elections went into force in 2000 (no. 130/2000) and the Electoral Act on Local Elections went into force in 2001 (no.491/2001).
The upper house of Czech Parliament approved changes in 2021 to electoral law requested by the country's high court that ruled the previous legislation discriminated against small political parties.
A draft law on referendums (regional and local) is being prepared.
A draft law on elections to the European parliament is also being prepared.
Source:
https://apnews.com/article/andrej-babis-europe-legislation-courts-elections-265fe479fda78d709faa6aa0e8aedce3
Act no. 130/2000
https://www.psp.cz/en/docs/laws/2003/62.html
Law Digest Act no. 491/2001
https://rm.coe.int/1680746d0b
Verified: 2023/09/14
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections b . Regional elections c . Local elections d . Referendums
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: Act of Law 247/1995 Coll., on elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic (amended by 480/2006 Coll.)
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CZ/czech-republic-act-no.-247-on-elections-to-the/view (2017)
Act 2000 - 130 on the Election to Regional Councils: ZÁKON o volbách do zastupitelstev krajů a o změně některých zákonů.
Act 2001 - 491 on the Election to Municipal Councils: ZÁKON ze dne 6. prosince 2001 o volbách do zastupitelstev obcí a o změně některých zákonů.
Act on local referendums no.298/1992.
Act No. 515/2002 Sb., concerning the Referendum on the Czech Republic’s Accession to the European Union
Council of Europe Report on Structure and Operation of Local and Regional Democracy in Czech Republic (2010) https://rm.coe.int/1680746d0b
Verified: 2023/09/14
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments: Art. 18: (3) Every citizen of the Czech Republic who has attained the age of eighteen years shall have the right to vote.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Czech Republic of December 16, 1992 (Amended by Act No. 515/2002 Coll.), art. 18.
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Czech_Republic_2013?lang=en (2017)
Verified: 2023/09/14
LF005
Question: Are there provisions in the law which permit or require regional and/ or local election (s) to be held on the same day as national elections?
Answer:
b . National elections are held on the same day as regional and local elections
Comments: (interview with EMB official, Petra Wagnerova, Election Law Expert, Ministry of the Interior) There are provisions which permit various kinds of elections to be held on the same days. However it is not always possible to act according to them because one third of the Senate is elected every two years and the elections can include two rounds. Usually the first round of Senate elections and the regional or local elections are held a the same time--on the same two days. The regular elections to the Senate and the House of Deputies cannot be held at the same time.
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/21
LF006
Question: Are there provisions in the law which permit or require presidential election (s) to be held on the same day as national legislative elections?
Answer(s):
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2002/05/15
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Judiciary d . Other
Comments: Art 87.1: The Constitutional Court has jurisdiction: e) over remedial actions from decisions concerning the certification of the election of a Deputy or Senator;
Electoral law: The Supreme Court shall be the court with jurisdiction in regard to proceedings under Articles 86, 87, and 88 above.
Source: Electoral Law: Act of Law 247/1995 Coll., on elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic (amended by 480/2006 Coll.), art. 86-89
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CZ/czech-republic-act-no.-247-on-elections-to-the/view (2017)
Constitution Article 87
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Czech_Republic_2013?lang=en
Verified: 2023/09/14
LF008
Question: If the agency(ies) which settles formal disputes is/are specially appointed/elected; by whom?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments: There is no specially appointed/elected agencies for settling electoral disputes.
Source: Administrative Court order. (act. no 150/2002 LD)
Verified: 2002/06/26
LF009
Question: Who has the right to submit cases to the person or agency(ies)which settles formal disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Candidates b . Parties c . Voters
Comments: Various people or institutions have the right to submit cases to the courts--it depends on what matter is disputed. Generally this right belongs to voters, political parties, political movements, and candidates.
Source: Art 87-88 of the Act on election to the Parliament of the Czech Republic (no. 247/1995 LD)
Verified: 2002/06/26
LF010
Question: What body(ies) is the final appellate authority for formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
c . Superior Court
Comments: The final appellate authority for formal electoral disputes is the same court which makes the decision (except when a mistake in voter registration is alleged or contested).
Source: All Electoral Acts
Code of Civil Procedure (Law Digest act no. 99/1963)
Currently there is a draft law which electoral matters will be judged under, to be called the Code of Administrative Procedure.
Verified: 2006/11/21
LF011
Question: Which body(ies) proposes electoral reforms?
Answer(s):
b . Legislative Committee c . Government e . Legislature
Comments: All reforms are implemented by legislative acts. Draft laws can be submitted by a deputy, a group of deputies, by the Senate, the Government, or by the representative body of a region.
Source: Constitution, Art.41
Verified: 2023/09/14
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level b . Regional level c . Local level
Comments: Central Election Board is run by the Ministry of the Interior and all elections are run from the Ministry.
Article 7: (1) The Central Election Board shall be in charge of conducting elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic
Source: All electoral acts which are in force in the Czech Republic.
Czech Ministry of the Interior (2017)
https://www.mvcr.cz/mvcren/article/voting-in-elections.aspx
ACT NO. 247 On Elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic, and on Amendments of Certain Other Acts, Art. 7
Verified: 2018/02/16
EM003
Question: The national electoral management body reports to:
Answer(s):
d . A national government department
Comments: The State Electoral Commission (SEC) is appointed by the Government except of the Chairman of the SEC, who is ex lege the Minister of Interior.
Source: Act on Elections to Regional Representative Bodies (Law Digest no. 133/2000)
Verified: 2002/07/02
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature
Comments: Electoral Law: Article 84/85: All expenditures of public administration bodies, local authorities, district election commissions, special district election commissions and embassies related to the elections to the Chamber of Deputies as well as all expenditures of public administration bodies, regions, local authorities and district election commissions related to the elections to the Senate shall be settled from the State Budget.
Constitution: Art. 42 (1) The Draft State Budget and the Draft Final State Budgetary Account shall be introduced by the Government.
(2) The aforesaid drafts shall be considered and decided upon at public meetings by the Chamber of Deputies alone.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Czech Republic of December 16, 1992 (Amended by Act No. 515/2002 Coll.), art. 42.
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Czech_Republic_2013?lang=en (2017)
Electoral Law: Act of Law 247/1995 Coll., on elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic (amended by 480/2006 Coll.), art. 84-85.
https://www.psp.cz/en/docs/laws/1995/247.html
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CZ/czech-republic-act-no.-247-on-elections-to-the/view
Verified: 2023/09/14
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature
Comments: The Chamber of Deputies considers and decides upon the State budget, from which the expenditures of the national electoral management body are settled.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Czech Republic of December 16, 1992 (Amended by Act No. 515/2002 Coll.), art. 42.
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Czech_Republic_2013?lang=en (2017)
Electoral Law: Act of Law 247/1995 Coll., on elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic (amended by 480/2006 Coll.), art. 84-85.
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CZ/czech-republic-act-no.-247-on-elections-to-the/view (2017)
Verified: 2023/09/14
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
c . For an unspecified period
Comments: This is with the exception of the Chairman of the SEC (State Election Commission), who is the Minister of the Interior. The other members are appointed by the Chairman from each ministry of the government and serve for an unspecified period.
Article 12: (4) The term of office of the Central Election Board shall have expired on the day on which a new Central Election Board in charge of the following elections to the Chamber of Delegates shall be constituted.
Source: Electoral Law: ZÁKON o volbách do zastupitelstev krajů a o změně některých zákonů, art. 8-12.
https://www.zakonyprolidi.cz/cs/2000-130
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CZ/czech-republic-act-no.-247-on-elections-to-the/view (2017)
Verified: 2023/09/14
EM007
Question: The national electoral management body chairperson, or equivalent, is chosen in the following way:
Answer(s):
e . Governmental appointment
Comments: The Chairman of the SEC (State Election Commission) is the Minister of the Interior, as set forth in the Electoral Act on Elections to regional representative bodies.
Source: Electoral Act on Elections to Regional Representative Bodies (Law Digest no. 130/2000, Art.10
Verified: 2002/06/26
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
a . Governmental
Comments:
Source: Electoral Management Design: The International IDEA Handbook (2006)
International IDEA web database: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/country-view/91/54
Verified: 2023/09/14
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
b . 11 - 20 members (specify)
Comments: The SEC is a permanent body composed of ten members, half of whom currently are women.
Public Election Commission is composed, with the exception of the President, employees of the Ministry of Interior, Czech Statistical Office, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Health, Labour and Social Affairs and the Office of the President of the Republic.
Source: https://www.idea.int/data-tools/country-view/91/54
Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Czech Republic Report (2022)
https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/a/a/534254_0.pdf
Verified: 2023/09/14
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
d . Not Applicable
Comments: The EMB members are composed of each ministry of the government.
Article 8
(1) Every voter may become a member of an election board unless the said voter has been denied the right to vote. No candidate for a seat in the Parliament of the Czech Republic shall be a member of an election board.
Article 12 The Central Election Board
(1) Each Political Party and/or each coalition that submits for registration a list of its candidates for the elections to the Chamber of Delegates shall have the right to be represented on the Central Election Board. Up to two party/coalition representatives and two stand-ins may be proposed to the Minister of the Interior no later than sixty days prior to the first election day to the Chamber of Delegates.
(2) If the delegated representatives (Paragraph 1 of this Article) meet the requirements stipulated by the provisions of the above Article 8, Paragraph 1 herein, the Minister of the Interior shall appoint them members of the Central Election Board, and shall grant them a membership card.
Article 12:
Source: Electoral Law: ZÁKON o volbách do zastupitelstev krajů a o změně některých zákonů, art. 7-8, 12
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CZ/czech-republic-act-no.-247-on-elections-to-the/view
(2017)
Verified: 2023/09/14
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
e . Legislature i . Other
Comments: Article 12: The Central Election Board
(1) Each Political Party and/or each coalition that submits for registration a list of its candidates for the elections to the Chamber of Delegates shall have the right to be represented on the Central Election Board. Up to two party/coalition representatives and two stand-ins may be proposed to the Minister of the Interior no later than sixty days prior to the first election day to the Chamber of Delegates.
(2) If the delegated representatives (Paragraph 1 of this Article) meet the requirements stipulated by the provisions of the above Article 8, Paragraph 1 herein, the Minister of the Interior shall appoint them members of the Central Election Board, and shall grant them a membership card.
Article 7: 1) The State Electoral Commission shall be a permanent body in the field of elections to regional councils. (2) The Chairman of the State Electoral Commission shall be the Minister of the Interior. (3) Other members and alternates of the State Electoral Commission are appointed and removed by the Government on a proposal by the Minister of the Interior. The State Electoral Commission consists of employees of the Ministry of the Interior, the Czech Statistical Office, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs and the Office of the President of the Republic. The Minister of Finance, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Justice, the Minister of Defense, the Minister of Health, the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, the Chairman of the Czech Statistical Office and the Head of the Office of the President of the Republic shall submit a proposal for the appointment and dismissal of the members and alternates of the State Electoral Commission of the Minister of the Interior. (4) For the purposes of organizational and technical provision of the activities of the State Electoral Commission, the Minister of the Interior shall establish a secretariat composed of employees of the Ministry of the Interior
Source: Electoral Law: ZÁKON o volbách do zastupitelstev krajů a o změně některých zákonů, art. 7, 12
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CZ/czech-republic-act-no.-247-on-elections-to-the/view (2017)
Act No. 130/2000 Coll., On Elections to Regional Councils and on Amendments to Certain Acts, as amended. Art. 6-7 http://www.nssoud.cz/zakony/130_2000.pdf
Verified: 2023/09/14
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
e . Regional Governments f . Local Governments i . Media
Comments: Article 15: Sources of Public Information
(1) Each Municipality shall issue a decree informing the voters of the time and place of the elections to be held in the respective Municipality. This
decree shall be issued no later than fifteen days prior to the day of the elections, and advertised in a manner usual in the Municipality in question. Should a Municipality be divided into two or more electoral wards, the decree shall provide information on which sections or parts of the Municipality shall belong to which of the wards, and the decree shall be made public within the area of each of the wards.
(2) Local Authorities shall also notify the electorate of their obligation to prove their identity and show evidence that they are Citizens of the
Czech Republic, and shall furnish further pieces of information required for a smooth process of polling.
Mayors
(1) Mayors shall
a) inform the voters of the time and place of the elections in the respective municipality,
b) provide for the distribution of ballot papers among the voters,
Public broadcaster Czech Radio has developed special programmes about the upcoming
presidential election, including voter education materials.
Source: Electoral Law: Act of Law 247/1995 Coll., on elections to the ACT NO. 247
On Elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic, and on Amendments of Certain Other Acts (amended by 480/2006 Coll.), art. 15.
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CZ/czech-republic-act-no.-247-on-elections-to-the/view (2017)
ACT No. 275 of 27 September 1995
on Elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic and on the Amendment of Certain Other Laws art. 14c(a)-(b), 14d
OSCE Report on Elections (2022) https://www.osce.org/files/f/documents/a/a/534254_0.pdf
Verified: 2023/09/14
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
d . No information available
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CZ/czech-republic-act-no.-247-on-elections-to-the/view
Verified: 2017/03/24
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
c . Yes, conducted by the Regional Electoral Management Bodies d . Yes, conducted by the Local/County Electoral Management Bodies g . Yes, conducted by the Local Governments
Comments: It is unclear whether this text means "local authorities" as "government" or "EMBs"
Article 15: Sources of Public Information
(1) Each Municipality shall issue a decree informing the voters of the time and place of the elections to be held in the respective Municipality. This decree shall be issued no later than fifteen days prior to the day of the elections, and advertised in a manner usual in the Municipality in question. Should a Municipality be divided into two or more electoral wards, the decree shall provide information on which sections or parts of the Municipality shall belong to which of the wards, and the decree shall be made public within the area of each of the wards.
(2) Local Authorities shall also notify the electorate of their obligation to prove their identity and show evidence that they are Citizens of the Czech Republic, and shall furnish further pieces of information required for a smooth process of polling.
Section C: the MoI develops information campaigns for voters on voting procedures and candidates.
Regional Offices are located in each of the 14 multi-member electoral constituencies. In parliamentary elections, they are responsible for the registration of candidate lists in the respective administrative unit. Additionally, they provide technical support to the CSO, disseminate information from the MoI to the municipalities, print ballots, and handle complaints on technical aspects deriving from the management of elections at municipal level.
Municipalities inform voters about the voting time and place, administer voter lists, distribute ballots to voters, set up polling stations, and appoint Polling Station Commissions (PSCs)
Source: Electoral Law: Act of Law 247/1995 Coll., on elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic (amended by 480/2006 Coll.), art. 15. http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CZ/czech-republic-act-no.-247-on-elections-to-the/view (2017)
Czech Republic: Needs Assessment Mission Report, Parliamentary and Presidential Elections 2017, 2018 OSCE/ODIHR (2017) Section C
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CZ/czech-republic-needs-assessment-mission-report-2/view
Verified: 2023/09/14
VE004
Question: What types of voter education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Poster/ Billboard campaigns b . Media advertisement e . Public meetings g . Internet
Comments: (interview with EMB official, Petra Wagnerova, Election Law Expert, Ministry of the Interior) The voters were informed in various ways, especially those checked above. However all of the above listed wyas were used in the electoral campaigns of political parties, movements, and coalitions.
Source:
Verified: 2002/04/09
VE006
Question: Special voter education programs were developed at the most recent national elections for:
Answer(s):
d . Ethnic minorities
Comments: In certain localities voter information is prepared by the Ministry of Interior in languages of minorities living in the Czech Republic.
Source: Petra Wagnerova, Election Law Expert, Ministry of Interior, Czech Republic, pwagnero(a)csu.notes.cz
Verified: 2023/09/14
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments: Art. 18: (3) Every citizen of the Czech Republic who has attained the age of eighteen years shall have the right to vote.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Czech Republic of December 16, 1992 (Amended by Act No. 515/2002 Coll.), art. 18.
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Czech_Republic_2013?lang=en (2017)
Verified: 2023/09/18
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship e . Other
Comments: Citizenship is a condition for voting, except in elections to local authorities - non-nationals who have their permanent residence in the locality can vote in it.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Czech Republic of December 16, 1992 (Amended by Act No. 515/2002 Coll.), art. 18.
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Czech_Republic_2013?lang=en
Act 2001 - 491 on the Election to Municipal Councils: ZÁKON ze dne 6. prosince 2001 o volbách do zastupitelstev obcí a o změně některých zákonů, section 4.
Verified: 2023/09/18
VR003
Question: What restrictions on registering to vote and voting exist in the country?
Answer(s):
h . Other
Comments: h.)
1. Limitation of personal freedom for the protection of public health (in case of stopping the spread of an infections disease);
2. Deprivation of the capacity to enter into legal acts.
Source: Section 2 of the Electoral Act on Elections to Parliament (no. 247/1995 as amended)
Verified: 2006/11/29
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
c . Local Government Authority
Comments: Article 4: All voters shall be registered in permanent lists of voters or in special lists of voters. Each voter may only be registered in one of the aforementioned lists.
Article 5: Every permanent list shall be administered in compliance with special legal regulations.
Article 6: (1) Special lists shall be administered by local authorities, municipal authorities, metropolitan authorities, authorities of municipal districts or municipal sections of territorially subdivided statutory towns and municipal authorities of the City of Prague.
(5) The embassies shall establish special lists for all voters
Section D: There is no centralized voter register in the country and municipalities are responsible for voter registration. Voter registration is passive, except for citizens residing abroad who must actively register with the MFA.12 Eligible voters are entered into voter registers based on their residence data in the Population Register, administered by the MoI. Municipal offices update permanent voter lists as well as compile special voter lists to include people from hospitals, rest homes, and prisons. For both elections, the voters may receive an absentee voting certificate and vote at any other polling station in the country or abroad. There are no mechanisms in place to provide nationwide cross-checking of records in voter lists.
Both permanent and special voter lists are closed two days before the opening of polls. Nevertheless, voters, whose names are missing from the lists and who can prove their right to vote at a given polling station, can be included in the voter list on election days
Source: Electoral Law: Act of Law 247/1995 Coll., on elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic (amended by 480/2006 Coll.), art. 4-6.
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CZ/czech-republic-act-no.-247-on-elections-to-the/view
Czech Republic: Needs Assessment Mission Report, Parliamentary and Presidential Elections 2017, 2018 OSCE/ODIHR (2017) Section D
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CZ/czech-republic-needs-assessment-mission-report-2/view
Verified: 2023/09/18
VR005
Question: What is the registration method for national elections?
Answer:
b . Voters register
Comments: There are two types of voters lists for the elections to the national Parliament. Both of them are permanent and in both of them only Czech nationals can register.
Source: Electoral Act on Elections to Parliament (no. 247/1995 as amended), Art.4
Electoral Act on Elections to the Local Authorities (no. 491/2001)
Verified: 2006/11/29
VR006
Question: How frequently is the voters register updated?
Answer:
b . Annually
Comments: The voters register is closed two days before each election, during which time it is not possible to make any changes. Otherwise changes are done annually as an official duty (ex-officio) or by request of a voter.
Source: Electoral Act on Elections to Parliament (no. 247/1995) as amended)
Electoral Act on Elections to Local Authorities (no. 491/2001)
Section 3 and 4 of the Ministerial notice of the Ministry of the Interior (no. 59/2002) relation to act no. 491/2001.
Verified: 2006/11/29
VR007
Question: What methods are used to compile and update the voters register?
Answer(s):
b . Links to police records of residence
Comments: (from interview with EMB official, Petra Wagnerova, Election Law Expert, Ministry of the Interior)
Source: ministerial notice of the Ministry of Interior (no. 59/2002) regarding act no. 491/2001
Verified: 2002/04/09
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The voters register is a duty for electoral bodies ex-officio, in case of the permanent voters list which is kept by the local authorities (so it is compulsory). In case of the special voters list (abroad)it depends on the request of the voter (it is voluntary).
Section D: There is no centralized voter register in the country and municipalities are responsible for voter registration. Voter registration is passive, except for citizens residing abroad who must actively register with the MFA
Voters have no duty to register themselves.
Source: Electoral Law: Act of Law 247/1995 Coll., on elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic (amended by 480/2006 Coll.), art. 4-6.
Czech Republic: Needs Assessment Mission Report, Parliamentary and Presidential Elections 2017, 2018 OSCE/ODIHR (2017) Section D
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CZ/czech-republic-needs-assessment-mission-report-2/view
Verified: 2023/09/18
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
b . Deposit requirement (specify amount)
Comments: (4) Each political party, political movement or coalition shall enclose to its candidate list a receipt confirming the payment of a contribution to election costs (hereinafter the ”contribution”) in the amount of CZK 19,000. Such contribution shall be paid by the political party, political movement or coalition in each electoral region in which it submits a candidate list and shall be transferred to a special account opened at the Czech National Bank by the regional authority no later than 72 days before the election date. Such contribution paid by the political party, political movement or coalition shall represent revenue of the state budget.
Source: Electoral Law: Act of Law 247/1995 Coll., on elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic (amended by 480/2006 Coll.), art. 31.
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CZ/czech-republic-act-no.-247-on-elections-to-the/view
(2017)
Verified: 2023/09/18
PC002
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify requirement) f . Other
Comments: A presidential candidate must be a voter of 40 years of age or older on the second day of the election,
hold Czech citizenship and not be deprived of legal capacity. Candidates can be nominated by a group
of at least 20 MPs or 10 senators. Citizens who have reached the age of 18 years can nominate a
candidate through a petition signed by at least 50,000 voters.
Source: Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights Needs Assessment Mission Report Czech Republic (2017) https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CZ/czech-republic-act-no.-247-on-elections-to-the/at_download/file
Verified: 2023/09/18
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship
Comments: Article 25: Any voter aged at least 21 years on the second day of the elections at the latest and not legally disqualified from exercising his/her right to vote in compliance with Article 2, Subsection b) may be elected to the Chamber of Deputies.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Czech Republic of December 16, 1992 (Amended by Act No. 515/2002 Coll.), art. 19.1
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Czech_Republic_2013?lang=en (2017)
Electoral Law: Act of Law 247/1995 Coll., on elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic (amended by 480/2006 Coll.), art. 25.
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CZ/czech-republic-act-no.-247-on-elections-to-the/view (2017)
Verified: 2023/09/18
PC004
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship f . Registration
Comments: A Czech citizen who is at least 40 years old (at least by the second day of voting) and has the right to vote can stand as a candidate in elections to the Senate.
Source: Constitution, Art.19(2)
Article 57 of the Electoral Act on Elections to Parliament (no. 247/1995 as amended)
Verified: 2006/11/15
PC005
Question: What are the legal qualifications for becoming a candidate at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship
Comments: A Czech citizen who is at least 40 years old (at least by the second day of voting) and has the right to vote can stand as candidate for President.
Source: Constitution, Art.57(1-2) and 65(2)
Verified: 2006/11/15
PC006
Question: What can disqualify a candidate at legislative elections?
Answer(s):
o . Other
Comments: Nothing mentioned above is an obstacle for standing as a candidate. Holders of other offices must resolve the situation after the elections if they become the President, Deputy, Senator or other representative, as some offices are incompatible by law. In such a situation they must give up one of the offices.
Source: Constitution, Art.21-22
Verified: 2002/06/11
PC007
Question: What can disqualify a candidate at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
c . Criminal record
Comments: A person cannot stand as candidate if he/she has previously served two consecutive terms as President.
c)If a President has been condemned for a charge of high treason, the Constitutional Court can bar him/her from standing as a Presidential candidate in the future.
Source: Constitution, Art. 57(1-2) and 65(2)
Verified: 2006/11/15
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
e . In both presidential and legislative elections
Comments: Constitution: Art. 56 (5): Each and every citizen of the Czech Republic who has reached the age of 18 years is entitled to nominate a candidate provided that such a nomination is supported by a petition signed by at least 50.000 citizens of the Czech Republic who are entitled to vote for the President of the Republic. A candidate can be nominated by at least twenty Deputies of the Parliament or by at least ten Senators.
Electoral Law: Article 60: (1) Any registered political party and movement whose activities have not been suspended, including any coalition thereof, may register its candidates for the elections to the Senate through its authorized representative only. All independent candidates shall present their registration applications individually.
Source: Constitution as amended by Act 71/2012 Sb., art. 56 (5): https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Czech_Republic_2013?lang=en (2017);
Electoral Law: Act of Law 247/1995 Coll., on elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic (amended by 480/2006 Coll.), art. 31 & 60.
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CZ/czech-republic-act-no.-247-on-elections-to-the/view (2017)
Verified: 2023/09/18
PC009
Question: If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 1), what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
b . Deposit requirement (specify) d . Other
Comments: (interview with EMB official, Petra Wagnerova, Election Law Expert, Ministry of the Interior) Such a candidate must be linked on a candidate list which is submitted by a political party or movement. That party or movement must deposit 15,000 CZK for a candidate list. Their political party or non-affiliated status is listed on the ballot. The candidate does not make an individual deposit.
Source: Article 31 of electoral act on elections to Parliament (no. 247/1995 as amended)
Verified: 2002/05/15
PC010
Question: If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 2), what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify) b . Deposit requirement (specify)
Comments: (interview with EMB official, Petra Wagnerova, Election Law Expert, Ministry of the Interior) An independent candidate must deposit 20,000 CZK and obtain 1,000 signatures of supporters.
Source: Article 61 of the electoral act on elections to the Parliment (no. 247/1995 as amended)
Verified: 2002/04/19
PC011
Question: If independent candidates can compete in presidential elections, what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
d . Other
Comments: (interview with EMB official, Petra Wagnerova, Election Law Expert, Ministry of the Interior) Any candidate for President must be proposed by a group of at least 10 deputies or senators.
Source: Article 58 (1) of Constitution
Verified: 2002/04/19
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Direct c . Indirect
Comments: Act of Law No. 424/1991: Paragraph 17: (4) Political parties and movements may have revenues from the following resources:
a) contributions to election expenses from the state budget of the Czech Republic,
b) allowance for operational expenses from the state budget of the Czech Republic,
c) membership fees,
d) donations and inheritance,
e) rentals and sales of tangible and intangible assets,
f) interest on deposits,
g) participation in business transactions of other legal entities pursuant to Section 3,
h) organization of raffles and cultural, social, sport, leisure, educational and political events,
i) loans and credits.
Electoral Law: Article 85: Contributions to election expenses are only provided in connection with the elections to the Chamber of Deputies. After verifying the results of the elections, the Chamber of Deputies shall inform the Ministry of Finance of the amount of valid votes obtained by individual political parties, movements and coalitions. Each political party, movement or coalition acquiring at least 1.5% of the overall amount of valid votes shall receive CZK 100.00 from the State Budget for every obtained vote.
Source: Act of Law No. 424/1991 Coll., of October 2nd, 1991, on association in political parties and political movements, as amended by 342/2006 Coll, para. 17.
http://www.psp.cz/en/docs/laws/1991/424.html (2017)
Electoral Law: Act of Law 247/1995 Coll., on elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic (amended by 480/2006 Coll.), art. 85.
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CZ/czech-republic-act-no.-247-on-elections-to-the/view (2017)
Verified: 2023/09/18
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Based on result of previous election
Comments: Article 85: Contributions to election expenses are only provided in connection with the elections to the Chamber of Deputies. After verifying the results of the elections, the Chamber of Deputies shall inform the Ministry of Finance of the amount of valid votes obtained by individual political parties, movements and coalitions. Each political party, movement or coalition acquiring at least 1.5% of the overall amount of valid votes shall receive CZK 100.00 from the State Budget for every obtained vote.
Source: Electoral Law: Act of Law 247/1995 Coll., on elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic (amended by 480/2006 Coll.), art. 85. https://www.psp.cz/en/docs/laws/1995/247.html
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CZ/czech-republic-act-no.-247-on-elections-to-the/view (2017)
Verified: 2023/09/18
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Paragraph 17: (4) Political parties and movements may have revenues from the following resources:
a) contributions to election expenses from the state budget of the Czech Republic,
b) allowance for operational expenses from the state budget of the Czech Republic,
c) membership fees,
d) donations and inheritance,
e) rentals and sales of tangible and intangible assets,
f) interest on deposits,
g) participation in business transactions of other legal entities pursuant to Section 3,
h) organization of raffles and cultural, social, sport, leisure, educational and political events,
i) loans and credits.
Source: Act of Law No. 424/1991 Coll., of October 2nd, 1991, on association in political parties and political movements, as amended by 342/2006 Coll, para. 17.
http://www.psp.cz/en/docs/laws/1991/424.html (2017)
Verified: 2023/09/18
PC018
Question: If political parties are entitled to private funding, for what period?
Answer(s):
c . As related to the election period and between elections
Comments:
Source: Petra Wagnerova, Election Law Expert, Ministry of Interior, Czech Republic, pwagnero(a)csu.notes.cz
Verified: 2002/06/28
PC019
Question: Which of the following party financing provisions are applicable?
Answer(s):
h . Publication or public access to contribution and / or expenditure reports
Comments: Every political party and political movement must submit to the House of Deputies in terms according to law their financial report with figures according to the law. This report is public.
Source: Act on political parties and political movements no. 424/1991, paragraph 18
Verified: 2002/06/26
PC021
Question: Who is responsible for administering and enforcing party income/funding regulations at national level?
Answer(s):
c . Government department
Comments:
Source: Petra Wagnerova, Election Law Expert, Ministry of Interior, Czech Republic, pwagnero(a)csu.notes.cz
Verified: 2002/06/28
Vote Counting
VC001
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Single ballot (all registered parties listed) e . Ability to vote for candidates within parties (personal vote) f . Same ballot papers used nationwide
Comments: (interview with EMB official, Petra Wagnerova, Election Law Expert, Ministry of the Interior) For quality the format ballot papers in the same elections must be the same nationally. In elections in which various candidates stand in each region there are of course differences. For the elections to House of Deputies, there is one ballot for each candidate list; a voter can only mark 2 preferred candidates on the chosen ballot paper. The ballot papers are signed by the district authority which has its seat in the capital of the region.
Source:
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC002
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
b . Multi-ballot (each party has own ballot, voter picks one ballot and places in envelope)
Comments: (interview with EMB official, Petra Wagnerova, Election Law Expert, Ministry of the Interior) Each candidate in the Senate elections has his/her own ballot paper. No marking is allowed. Ballots are signed by the competent district authority.
Source:
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC003
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
s . Not Applicable
Comments: (interview with EMB official, Petra Wagnerova, Election Law Expert, Ministry of the Interior) The President is elected by the Parliament. Therefore the election has very different regulations than other elections.
Source:
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . The polling stations
Comments: The counting of votes starts at polling stations and is done by special district election commission (elections to the Chamber of Deputies) or district election commissions (elections to the Senate).
Source: Electoral Law: Act of Law 247/1995 Coll., on elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic (amended by 480/2006 Coll.), art. 40 & 69.
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CZ/czech-republic-act-no.-247-on-elections-to-the/view (2017)
https://www.psp.cz/en/docs/laws/1995/247.html
Verified: 2023/09/18
VC006
Question: Following the sorting and counting, to where are the results first transmitted for consolidation?
Answer(s):
b . Sub-district level
Comments: The results are transmitted for consolidation to sub-district level. After the elections the ballot papers are stored by local authorities and the other electoral documentation is stored by the electoral bodies which are competent to it in accordance with the law.
Source: Act on elections to the Parliament, no. 247/1995 and the ministerial notice no. 233/2000.
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC008
Question: How are the initial/preliminary polling results transmitted and communicated to the different levels?
Answer(s):
a . Physically transported f . By computer
Comments: The initial polling results are transmitted to the sub-district level office by physical transportation and in the same time on a disc to make it possible to input them into the system of the Czech statistical office.
The results from polling stations abroad are sent via fax or via e-mail under the local conditions.
Source: Petra Wagnerova, Election law expert, Section of election and association, pwagnero(a)csu.notes.cz
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
g . No information available
Comments: Theres is no specefic provisions regarding ballots recounting, however, vouting might be
declared void under judicial review if Electoral Law has been breached in a way affecting the result of such voting.
Source: Electoral Law: Act of Law 247/1995 Coll., on elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic (amended by 480/2006 Coll.), art. 87.
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CZ/czech-republic-act-no.-247-on-elections-to-the/view (2017)
https://www.psp.cz/en/docs/laws/1995/247.html
Verified: 2023/09/18
VC012
Question: If automatically recounted, what is the trigger?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Petra Wagnerova, Election Law Expert, Ministry of Interior, Czech Republic, pwagnero(a)csu.notes.cz
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC013
Question: If ballots are recounted by request, who can make the request?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Petra Wagnerova, Election Law Expert, Ministry of Interior, Czech Republic, pwagnero(a)csu.notes.cz
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC014
Question: If recounted, who conducts the recount?
Answer(s):
h . Courts
Comments:
Source: Act on elections to the Parliament, no. 247/1995 and act. no 150/2002, Administrative Court order.
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC015
Question: Are preliminary results announced?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: (interview with EMB official, Petra Wagnerova, Election Law Expert, Ministry of the Interior) Preliminary results are accessible via the Internet.
Source:
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC017
Question: Is there a legal requirement for the declaration of the officially certified results?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The State Electoral Commission (SEC) officially declares the results of the elections.
Source: Act on elections to the Parliament, no.247/1995.
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC018
Question: How long after the close of polls is the certified results publicly announced? (if there is no legal requirement enter the average time)
Answer:
b . days:
Comments: There is no legal requirement of it. But there is a custom that the results are known on Saturday/Sunday, the State electoral commission informs about them at a press conference on Monday and officially are announced on Tuesday in the newspaper. Since this moment the term for appeal to court are running. The voting ends at 2 o'clock p.m. on Saturday.
Source:
Verified: 2009/11/04
Media and Elections
ME002
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations are present at a national level in your country?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: http://www.ejc.nl/jr/emland/czech.html
http://www.ijnet.org/FE_Article/AssetShow.asp?ID=407
http://www.czech.cz/index.php?section=6&menu=138
Verified: 2006/11/30
ME003
Question: Which of the following types of television stations are present at a national level in your country?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: http://www.ejc.nl/jr/emland/czech.html
http://www.ijnet.org/FE_Article/AssetShow.asp?ID=407
http://www.czech.cz/index.php?section=6&menu=138
Verified: 2006/11/30
ME004
Question: Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers are present at a national level in your country?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned d . Owned by political parties
Comments:
Source: http://www.ejc.nl/jr/emland/czech.html
http://www.ijnet.org/FE_Article/AssetShow.asp?ID=407
http://www.czech.cz/index.php?section=6&menu=138
Verified: 2006/11/30
ME005
Question: Which of the following do you believe best describes the print media situation at the national level in your country?
Answer:
d . No government newspaper: competition between two or more major private newspapers
Comments:
Source: http://www.ejc.nl/jr/emland/czech.html (European Journalist Centre)
Verified: 2006/04/03
ME006
Question: What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of private radio stations?
Answer:
a . Over 60%
Comments: "nation-wide broadcasting shall mean radio and television broadcasting, which can be received by at least 70% of the population of the Czech Republic, according to the data resulting from the last census" (ACT dated 17 May 2001, on radio and television broadcasting operation and on changes of other acts, Article 2, Paragraph 1 /c)
Czech Radio has 3 nationwide stations (so receivable by at least 70% of the population)
Source: http://www2.rozhlas.cz/informace/onas/brozura04_engl.pdf
Verified: 2006/11/30
ME008
Question: What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of private television stations?
Answer:
a . Over 60%
Comments:
Source: http://www2.rozhlas.cz/informace/onas/brozura04_engl.pdf
Verified: 2005/11/13
ME014
Question: What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of the public television stations?
Answer:
a . Over 60%
Comments:
Source: http://www.czech-tv.cz/ct/publikace/pdf/facts_march2004.pdf
Verified: 2006/11/30
ME015
Question: What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of the national level programming of the public radio stations?
Answer:
a . Over 60 %
Comments:
Source: http://www2.rozhlas.cz/informace/onas/brozura04_engl.pdf
Verified: 2005/11/13
ME016
Question: In your opinion, upon which types of media at national level in your country do citizens most rely as a source of information? Mark the most important source with 1, and the second most important source with 2:
Answer(s):
a . Public radio c . Private radio d . Public television f . Private television
Comments:
Source: Opinion of the researcher.
Verified: 2005/11/13
ME020
Question: Who grants licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
Answer:
c . Other (specify)
Comments: "Article 4
Position of the Council for Radio and Television Broadcasting
(1) The Council for Radio and Television Broadcasting (hereinafter only "the Council") with the seat in Prague shall be hereby established.
(2) The Council shall be an administrative authority which shall execute government administration in the area of radio and television broadcasting and retransmission and shall supervise maintaining and further development of plurality of programme offer and information in the area of radio and television broadcasting and retransmission, shall observe the independence of its content and shall fulfil other tasks laid down by this Act and by other specific legal regulations."
Source: ACT dated 17 May 2001 on radio and television broadcasting operation and on changes of other acts. (Broadcasting Act)
Verified: 2006/11/30
ME021
Question: Who is allowed to hold broadcasting licenses?
Answer(s):
b . Private companies d . Foreigners f . State owned companies
Comments: -as an example:
*Country Radio (...)is owned by the US company Metromedia International, Inc.
** Prima TV is the other nationwide commercial television. (...)The licence to broadcast is owned by the Investment and Post Bank which is the only partner of Prima´s operator, the FTV Premiera.
*** Among the private stations Frekvence 1-- which has a French owner and is connected to Europe 2--has the largest audience.
Source: ACT dated 17 May 2001 on radio and television broadcasting operation and on changes of other acts, Part One, General provisions, Article 3 (1)-(4) and Article 14.
Verified: 2006/11/30
ME023
Question: Are any journalists currently imprisoned or facing criminal charges for exercising their profession?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: http://www.praguepost.com/P03/2004/Art/0624/news7.php
See also:
http://www.penclub.at/wip/caselist/europe.html the trial of Michal ZITKO
Verified: 2006/11/30
ME024
Question: What legal instruments are used to regulate media coverage of elections?
Answer(s):
a . Law
Comments:
Source: Electoral Acts
Verified: 2005/11/13
ME025
Question: Which of the following bodies or agencies has a responsibility in the regulation of media coverage of elections?
Answer(s):
a . Statutory regulator (e.g. broadcasting licensing body) d . Legislature
Comments: * The Council of Czech Republic for Radio and Television Broadcasting
** Broadcasting Act (11. May 2001.)
Source: ACT dated 17 May 2001 on radio and television broadcasting operation and on changes of other acts. (Broadcasting Act)
Verified: 2006/11/30
ME026
Question: What form does the responsibility, if any, of the EMB to regulate media coverage of elections take?
Answer(s):
d . Other (specify)
Comments: Not specified in Broadcasting Act, neither in the Parlamental elections Act
Source:
Verified: 2005/11/13
ME027
Question: Does the EMB monitor media coverage of elections?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: ACT dated 17 May 2001 on radio and television broadcasting operation and on changes of other acts. (Broadcasting Act)
Part two: COUNCIL FOR RADIO AND TELEVISION BROADCASTING
Article 4: Position of the Council for Radio and Television Broadcasting
and
Article 5: Powers and duties of the Council
Source: That's the duty of The Council for Radio and Television Broadcasting
Verified: 2006/11/30
ME028
Question: What form does the authority, if any, of the EMB to enforce remedies or sanctions against the media in case of breach of the rules on media coverage of elections take?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments: Thats the duty of The Council for Radio and Television Broadcasting
Source: ACT dated 17 May 2001 on radio and television broadcasting operation and on changes of other acts. (Broadcasting Act)
Part two: COUNCIL FOR RADIO AND TELEVISION BROADCASTING
Article 4: Position of the Council for Radio and Television Broadcasting
and
Article 5: Powers and duties of the Council
Verified: 2006/11/30
ME029
Question: Do political parties or candidates have a right to have their replies to inaccurate or misleading media coverage published promptly and free of charge?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: This article of law of universal validity should also apply to political parties and candidates. (see below, source)
Source: ACT dated 17 May 2001 on radio and television broadcasting operation and on changes of other acts. (Broadcasting Act)
Part Five, Title II : Protection of Persons Affected by the Contents of Radio or Television Broadcasting:
Article 35: The Right of Reply
&
Article 38: Conditions of the Transmission of a Reply and Additional Announcement
Verified: 2006/11/30
ME030
Question: What is the legal liability of the media if they report unlawful statements by candidates during election campaigns (e.g. defamatory or inflammatory speeches)?
Answer(s):
b . Administrative sanction
Comments: The Council for Radio and Television Broadcasting ( hereinafter only "the Council") is established by the Broadcasting Act dated 17 May 2001 (No. 231/2001 Coll.) as an administrative authority which shall execute government administrationin the area of radio and television broadcasting and retransmission.
The Council shall supervise maintaining and further development of plurality of programme offer and information in the area of radio and television broadcasting and retransmission, shall observe the independence of its content and shall fulfil other tasks laid down by legal regulations.
(http://www.rrtv.cz/en/)
(2) The Council shall be an administrative authority which shall execute government administration in the area of radio and television broadcasting and retransmission and shall supervise maintaining and further development of plurality of programme offer and information in the area of radio and television broadcasting and retransmission, shall observe the independence of its content and shall fulfil other tasks laid down by this Act and by other specific legal regulations.
(Article 4 of Act dated 17 May 2001 on radio and television broadcasting operation and on changes of other acts)
Source: http://www.rrtv.cz/en/
http://www.rrtv.cz/slozeni_uradu_en/index.html The Council for Radio and Television Broadcasting
http://www.ijnet.org/FE_Article/ml/CRBroadcastingAct.htm#p2 Broadcasting Act,
see Part seven (from Article 59), Penalty Provisions
Verified: 2006/11/30
ME034
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide political parties with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned
Comments:
Source: Act NO. 247 On Elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic, and on Amendments of Certain Other Acts, Dated September 27, 1995
Article 16
Verified: 2006/11/30
ME035
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide political parties with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned
Comments:
Source: Act NO. 247 On Elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic, and on Amendments of Certain Other Acts, Dated September 27, 1995
Article 16
Verified: 2006/11/30
ME036
Question: Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers provide political parties with free printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
e . None
Comments: Not specified in the electoral acts.
Source: Act NO. 247 On Elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic, and on Amendments of Certain Other Acts, Dated September 27, 1995
Article 16
Verified: 2006/11/30
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance
Comments: Article 16: (1) Each mayor may reserve a space for election posters 16 days before the date of the elections. He/she must ensure that any such space can be used equally by all political parties, movements and coalitions, or by all candidates standing for the Senate.
(3) In total, Czech Radio and Czech Television shall each reserve 14 hours of broadcasting time free of charge for all political parties, movements and coalitions whose candidate list has been registered for the elections to the Chamber of Deputies. The broadcasts shall begin 16 days before the date of the elections and end 48 hours before the date of the elections. The aforementioned time shall be divided equally among all such political parties, movements and coalitions.
Source: Electoral Law: Act of Law 247/1995 Coll., on elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic (amended by 480/2006 Coll.), art. 16 (1) & (3)
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CZ/czech-republic-act-no.-247-on-elections-to-the/view (2017)
Verified: 2023/09/18
ME039
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned
Comments:
Source: Act NO. 247 On Elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic, and on Amendments of Certain Other Acts, Dated September 27, 1995
Verified: 2005/11/13
ME040
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned
Comments:
Source: Act NO. 247 On Elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic, and on Amendments of Certain Other Acts, Dated September 27, 1995
Verified: 2005/11/13
ME041
Question: Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspaper provide individual candidates (legislative) with free printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
e . None
Comments: Not mentioned in electoral acts.
Source: Act NO. 247 On Elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic, and on Amendments of Certain Other Acts, Dated September 27, 1995
Verified: 2005/11/13
ME042
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to individual candidates (legislative)?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments: Not regulated in the
Act NO. 247 On Elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic, and on Amendments of Certain Other Acts, Dated September 27,
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/30
ME043
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with paid broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned
Comments:
Source: Act NO. 247 On Elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic, and on Amendments of Certain Other Acts, Dated September 27, 1995
Article 16 The Election Campaign
Verified: 2006/11/30
ME044
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with paid broadcast time and/or paid printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned
Comments:
Source: Act NO. 247 On Elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic, and on Amendments of Certain Other Acts, Dated September 27, 1995
Article 16 The Election Campaign
Verified: 2006/11/30
ME045
Question: Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers provide individual candidates (legislative) with printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned d . Owned by political parties
Comments:
Source: Act NO. 247 On Elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic, and on Amendments of Certain Other Acts, Dated September 27, 1995
Article 16 The Election Campaign
Verified: 2006/11/30
ME046
Question: What are the criteria for allocating paid broadcast time and/or paid printed advertisement space to individual candidates (legislative)?
Answer(s):
g . Not regulated: based only on the amount the candidate wishes to spend
Comments:
Source: Act NO. 247 On Elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic, and on Amendments of Certain Other Acts, Dated September 27, 1995
(no regulation)
Verified: 2006/11/30
ME047
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide presidential candidates with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
e . None
Comments: No presidential elections
Source:
Verified: 2005/11/13
ME048
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide presidential candidates with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
e . None
Comments: No presidential elections
Source:
Verified: 2005/11/13
ME049
Question: Which of the following daily and weekly newspapers provide presidential candidates with free printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
e . None
Comments: No presidential elections
Source:
Verified: 2005/11/13
ME050
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to presidential candidates?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2005/11/13
ME051
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide presidential candidates with paid broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
e . None
Comments: no presidential elections
Source:
Verified: 2005/11/13
ME052
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide presidential candidates with paid broadcast for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
e . None
Comments: No presidential elections
Source:
Verified: 2005/11/13
ME053
Question: Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers provide presidential candidates with paid printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
e . None
Comments: No presidential elections.
Source:
Verified: 2005/11/13
ME054
Question: What are the criteria for allocating paid broadcast time and/or paid printed advertisement space to presidential candidates?
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments: No presidential elections
Source:
Verified: 2005/11/13
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
a . Yes, in presidential elections b . Yes, in legislative elections
Comments: (2010 report): Media is covering election campaign through debates, interviews, news and other political programs.
Both public television CT and public radio invite to pre-election debates those parties that have more that five per cent support.
(2017/18 report): CT informed the OSCE/ODIHR NAM that debates will be held among those contestants who the opinion polls predict to enter the parliament and among all presidential candidates.
Source: OSCE/ODIHR Needs Assessment Mission Report on Parliamentary Elections 28-29 MAY 2010 in Czech Republic (Warsaw, 2010): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CZ/czech-republic-act-no.-247-on-elections-to-the/view (2017)
Czech Republic: Needs Assessment Mission Report, Parliamentary and Presidential Elections 2017, 2018 OSCE/ODIHR (2017)
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CZ/czech-republic-needs-assessment-mission-report-2/view
Verified: 2023/09/18
ME061
Question: Which of the following information in reporting the results of opinion polls are required to be disclosed by law?
Answer(s):
a . Person or agency that commissioned the opinion poll c . Characteristics of the sample d . Size of the sample
Comments: In short information pieces found online (television, radio channels and another online information sources) only the information of point A, was marked.
Opinion poll results found on this web page (see source) specify the polling information in details.
Source: http://archiv.soc.cas.cz/enindex.phtml
http://archiv.soc.cas.cz/english/online_en.phtml sociological data archive
Verified: 2006/11/30
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
b . 2-3 days
Comments: Article 16: (5) In the course of the last fortyeight hours prior to the opening of elections and on the election days, any campaigning and canvassing in favour of Political Parties, coalitions and candidates shall be prohibited; in buildings in which ward election boards have their headquarters, and in their immediate vicinity, no facts that
may cause prejudice of a Political Party, coalition or candidate shall be made public whether in words, writing, or in the form of a sound or picture. Election forecasts
resulting from public-opinion polls shall not be published after the seventh day preceding the day of the elections.
Source: Electoral Law: Act of Law 247/1995 Coll., on elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic (amended by 480/2006 Coll.), art. 16(5).
https://www.psp.cz/en/docs/laws/1995/247.html
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CZ/czech-republic-act-no.-247-on-elections-to-the/view (2017)
Verified: 2023/09/18
ME063
Question: Where, if at all, may exit polls be carried out?
Answer(s):
b . Outside the polling station
Comments:
Source: Source:
Act NO. 247 On Elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic, and on Amendments of Certain Other Acts, Dated September 27, 1995
Article 16:The Election Campaign, (5)
and
A questionnaire of the exit poll in 1996:
http://www.gesis.org/en/data_service/eastern_europe/data/questionnaire/3124que.pdf
Verified: 2006/11/30
ME064
Question: If exit polls are permitted, when can the results be disseminated via the media?
Answer(s):
b . After all polls close
Comments:
Source: Source:
Act NO. 247 On Elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic, and on Amendments of Certain Other Acts, Dated September 27, 1995
Article 16:The Election Campaign, (5)
and
A questionnaire of the exit poll in 1996:
http://www.gesis.org/en/data_service/eastern_europe/data/questionnaire/3124que.pdf
Verified: 2006/11/30
ME065
Question: When are the media, by law, allowed to report preliminary election results?
Answer:
b . After all polls close, before official results are available
Comments:
Source: Source:
Act NO. 247 On Elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic, and on Amendments of Certain Other Acts, Dated September 27, 1995
Article 16 The Election Campaign, (7)
Verified: 2006/11/30
ME066
Question: Are the media allowed to project/predict winners before the final results are available?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Not specified in the Broadcasting Act, neither in the Parlamental Electitions Act,
but media are usually free to predict the winners after all polls close.
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/30
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: There is no provisions regarding the maximum amount that political party is permitted to spend on print media. There is nearly no restrictions during the campaign period and it can offer paid political advertisement. However, the use of political paid advertisement is prohibited in the electronic media, both public and private.
--this was corroborated in the OSCE's 17/18 report, available on ACE---
Source: OSCE/ODIHR Needs Assessment Mission Report on Parliamentary Elections 28-29 MAY 2010 in Czech Republic (Warsaw, 2010): http://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/67702 (2017_
Czech Republic: Needs Assessment Mission Report, Parliamentary and Presidential Elections 2017, 2018 OSCE/ODIHR (2017)
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CZ/czech-republic-needs-assessment-mission-report-2/view
Verified: 2023/09/18
Direct Democracy
DD001
Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
Name and Title: Lucie Rodova
Job Title: JUDr, Election Expert
Organisation: The Ministry of Interior
Contact Address. Nam, Hrdinu 3, 140 21 Prague 4, Czech Republic
Telephone: +420 974 817 371 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +420 974 817 371 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Facsimile: +420 974 816 873
Email: [email protected]
Source
No Source
Verified
2010/07/20
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Art. 2: (2) A Constitutional Act may define when the people exercise state power directly.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Czech Republic of December 16, 1992 (Amended by Act No. 515/2002 Coll.), art. 2(2).
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Czech_Republic_2013?lang=en (2017)
Verified: 2018/03/02
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Constitutional Act: Article 1: (1) The accession of the Czech Republic to the European Union may only be decided on in a referendum.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Czech Republic of December 16, 1992 (Amended by Act No. 515/2002 Coll.), Appendix C article 1-6
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Czech_Republic_2013?lang=en (2017)
Constitutional act: Constitutional Act of Law No. 515/2002 Coll. of November 14th, 2002, on the referendum on accession of the Czech Republic to the European Union and the change of Constitutional Act of Law No. 1/1993 Coll., the Constitution of the Czech Republic, as amended, art. 1(1).
Verified: 2018/03/02
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: Art. 2: (2) A Constitutional Act may define when the people exercise state power directly.
--despite the above procedure, there does not appear to be any constitutional act that outlines how citizens may petition the government to force a referendum--
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Czech Republic of December 16, 1992 (Amended by Act No. 515/2002 Coll.), art. 2(2).
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Czech_Republic_2013?lang=en (2017)
Verified: 2018/03/02
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: --while no formal legislation on citizens' initiatives, citizens do have the right to petition... Other EU member states have more outline procedures on Citizens' Initiatives--
Article 18: 1. The right of petition is guaranteed; in matters of public or other communal interest, everyone has the right, on her own or together with other individuals, to address state bodies or territorial self-governing bodies with requests, proposals, or complaints.
Source: Constitution of the Czech Republic (Article 18)
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Czech_Republic_2013?lang=en
The European Citizens' Initiative?
http://ec.europa.eu/citizens-initiative/public/faq#q1
Verified: 2018/03/02
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution of the Czech Republic
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Czech_Republic_2013?lang=en
Verified: 2018/03/02
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: --there are procedures on the recalling of candidates pre-election, but not the recalling of elected officials... essentially only the parties can recall their authorized representatives--
Act 275: (5) A political party, political movement or coalition performs acts in matters relating to the elections through its authorised representative. Authorized representatives or their substitutes are natural persons specified as such on the candidate list. Such persons shall not be younger than 18 years, have limited legal capacity)2 or be a candidate themselves. The political party, political
-39-
movement or coalition is bound by the acts performed by its representative in election-related matters. Each political party, political movement or coalition may recall its authorised representative or his/her substitute. In such case, the authorisation shall expire as of the delivery of the notice of recalling to the respective regional authority
Article 61 (3): (3) A person younger than 18 years, a person with limited legal liability)2 or a candidate shall not become an authorised representative. The political party, political movement or coalition shall be bound by the acts performed by its representative in election-related matters. Every political party, political movement or coalition may recall its authorised representative by a notice in writing; the authorisation shall be terminated as of the delivery of the notice to the authorised municipal office at the seat of the electoral constituency. Independent candidates shall have no authorised representatives
ACT 247: (1) Any candidate may resign from his/her nomination provided the resignation statement be made in writing prior to the opening of the election. The same procedure applies should a Political Party or coalition, through the instrumentality of its agent, wish to recall the candidate whom the party/coalition has nominated
Source: Constitution of the Czech Republic
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Czech_Republic_2013?lang=en
ACT No 275 of 27 September 1995 on Elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic and on the Amendment of Certain Other Laws Article 32 (5) and Article 61 (3)
http://www.legislationline.org/search/runSearch/1/key/recall/country/35/rows/10/type/1
Czech Republic: Act No. 247 on Elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic and on Amendments of Certain Other Acts (Article 66)(1995) http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CZ/czech-republic-act-no.-247-on-elections-to-the/view
Verified: 2018/03/02
DD008
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for mandatory referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD010
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for citizens' initiatives at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD011
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for agenda initiatives at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD012
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for recalls at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD017
Question: Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD018
Question: Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD019
Question: Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD020
Question: Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD021
Question: Are recalls currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD022
Question: Are mandatory referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/28
DD023
Question: Are optional referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes
Comments:
Source: Act No. 22/2004 Coll.
Verified: 2006/11/28
DD024
Question: Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD025
Question: Are agenda initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD026
Question: Are recalls currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD027
Question: What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are mandatory at the national level?
Answer(s):
l . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD028
Question: What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are optional at the national level?
Answer(s):
j . Other (specify)
Comments: j) It is not regulated. Only one referendum has been held, on the EU accession.
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD029
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of referendums at the national level?
Answer(s):
j . Other (specify)
Comments: j) It is not regulated. Only one referendum has been held, on the EU accession.
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD030
Question: Which issues, if any, maybe the subject of sub-national referendums regulated at the national level?
Answer(s):
e . None
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD034
Question: Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the mandatory referendum question?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD040
Question: What are the requirements for mandatory referendums to pass?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD043
Question: When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD044
Question: When is the outcome of an optional referendum binding?
Answer:
b . Under certain circumstances (specify below)
Comments: b) Only one referendum has been held (on the EU accession) and this was binding. Not regulated.
Source: Article 5(2) Constitutional Act on referendum, No. 515/2002 Coll.
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD045
Question: Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the citizens' initiative process at the national level?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD046
Question: Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the agenda initiative process at the national level?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD047
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of a citizens' initiative at the national level?
Answer(s):
l . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD048
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of an agenda initiative at the national level?
Answer(s):
l . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD049
Question: Who may propose the registration of a citizens' initiative? Please specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD050
Question: Who may propose the registration of an agenda initiative? Please specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD051
Question: What material is necessary to accompany an application for registration?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD052
Question: Who determines the title of a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD053
Question: Who determines the title of an agenda initiative?
Answer:
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD054
Question: Which, if any, of the following disqualify a proposed title of an initiative?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD055
Question: Which services are provided by the agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms before an initiative can be published?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD056
Question: Under what circumstances is an initiative checked for constitutionality or legality?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD057
Question: If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, who is responsible for undertaking it?
Answer(s):
f . Other (specify)
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD058
Question: If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, when does this happen?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD059
Question: Which institutions, if any, are given an opportunity to propose an alternative to proposals contained in a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD060
Question: At which stage in the initiative process, if at all, can alternative proposals be made?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD061
Question: What happens when there is a valid alternative proposal?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD062
Question: When an initiative proposal and an alternative proposal are put to the vote on the same day, what choices does the voter have?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD065
Question: Which of the following individuals/positions may be subject to the recall mechanism?
Answer(s):
k . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD066
Question: What are the grounds upon which a recall may be launched?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD068
Question: If a recall qualifies for the ballot, when is it put to the vote?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD069
Question: When does the election to replace an individual who has been recalled take place?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD071
Question: Can an individual who is the subject of a recall stand on the ballot for his/her own replacement?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD076
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional) has been published?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD077
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a rejective referendum (optional) has been published?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD078
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a citizens' initiative has been published?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD079
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an agenda initiative has been published?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/27
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
a . Always binding
Comments: --only information about EU referendum available though--
Source: Constitution of the Czech Republic
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Czech_Republic_2013?lang=en
Verified: 2018/03/02
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
b . Only other issues than constitutional changes
Comments: Again, only rules on referenda dealing with the EU accession
Source: Constitution of the Czech Republic
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Czech_Republic_2013?lang=en
Verified: 2018/03/02
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: There are legal provisions for Direct Democracy at local level.
Source: Constitution of the Czech Republic
https://www.constituteproject.org/constitution/Czech_Republic_2013?lang=en
Verified: 2018/03/02
Voting Operations
VO002
Question: Is there a code of conduct for election officials?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: There is no code of conduct for election officials; their conduct is regulated by the Electoral Law.
Source: Electoral Act on Elections to Parliament (no. 247/1995 as amended)
Electoral Act on Elections to Representative Bodies of Regions (no. 130/2000 as amended)
Electoral Act on Elections to Local Authorities (no. 491/2001)
Verified: 2002/06/12
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
b . At any polling station in the same voting district k . No information available
Comments: --Voters must vote within their designated electoral wards, but there is a legal framework for voters unable to vote locally--
article 16 (1) (1) The Register of Persons Unable to Vote Locally shall be kept by each municipality [the country's smallest geopolitical unit and the most basic form of local government, which in may correspond to the country's administrative subdivisions, and the authorities of which may be empowered to exercise powers of the State administration if so stipulated by law]. In the country's capital, Prague, and in certain statutory towns, that are divided into geopolitical/administrative subdivisions, such as municipal districts, [neighbourhoods,] and/or municipal parts [which are part of the municipality and may assume its functions, and in some cases cover the area of an administrative district], the Register of Persons Unable to Vote Locally shall be kept by each relevant municipal district, [neighbourhood,] or municipal part (hereinafter "Municipality"). In the Register of Persons Unable to Vote Locally, Municipalities shall list voters whose place of permanent residence is outside their jurisdiction 5), and who: are not permanently residing within the Czech Republic; are doing a compulsory military service or some alternative civilian service within the area of their jurisdiction; are staying in the local hospital, maternity home, sanatorium, residentialhome, rest home, or any other facility or establishment of a similar character operating and located in the respective local area; have been taken into custody by the police, and committed to a detention centre/prison situated in the respective local area; vote in the respective area thanks to a nonlocal voting permit entitling them to do so (see Article 30, Paragraph 2 below).
b.) Voters in elections for the Senate can vote at any polling station in any electoral ward within their constituency.
c.) Voters in elections to the House of Deputies can vote at any polling station in the country or abroad at Czech embassies and consulates.
Source: Electoral Law: Act of Law 247/1995 Coll., on elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic (amended by 480/2006 Coll.), art. 6 (1) and articles 15 & 17
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CZ/czech-republic-act-no.-247-on-elections-to-the/view (2017)
Verified: 2023/09/18
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
b . Citizens residing outside the country c . Citizens outside the country (including those on vacation) d . Members of the armed forces e . Students f . Diplomatic staff
Comments: For elections to the Senate citizens residing outside the country must return to the state to vote.
Act 275 Article 6: (5) Special voter lists shall be also kept by diplomatic missions for registering voters who:
a) reside outside the territory of the Czech Republic; each such voter shall be registered on the basis of his/her application for registration, accompanied by an original or an authenticated copy of documents confirming the applicant's identity, his/her citizenship of the Czech Republic and his/her residence within the jurisdiction of the diplomatic mission at which he/she is to be registered in the special voter list; such application must be delivered or handed to the diplomatic mission no later than 40 days before the election date; or
(b) vote at the diplomatic mission with their absentee voting certificate.
Source: Electoral Law: Act of Law 247/1995 Coll., on elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic (amended by 480/2006 Coll.), art. 6.
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CZ/czech-republic-act-no.-247-on-elections-to-the/view (2017)
(5) Special voter lists shall be also kept by diplomatic missions for registering voters who:
a) reside outside the territory of the Czech Republic; each such voter shall be registered on the basis of his/her application for registration, accompanied by an original or an authenticated copy of documents confirming the applicant's identity, his/her citizenship of the Czech Republic and his/her residence within the jurisdiction of the diplomatic mission at which he/she is to be registered in the special voter list; such application must be delivered or handed to the diplomatic mission no later than 40 days before the election date; or
(b) vote at the diplomatic mission with their absentee voting certificate.
Verified: 2023/09/18
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
a . Embassies b . Consulates
Comments: c.) Special polling stations are set up in frame of embassies and consulates of the Czech Republic.
Source: Electoral Law: Act of Law 247/1995 Coll., on elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic (amended by 480/2006 Coll.), art. 6
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CZ/czech-republic-act-no.-247-on-elections-to-the/view (2017)
see also
(5) Special voter lists shall be also kept by diplomatic missions for registering voters who:
a) reside outside the territory of the Czech Republic; each such voter shall be registered on the basis of his/her application for registration, accompanied by an original or an authenticated copy of documents confirming the applicant's identity, his/her citizenship of the Czech Republic and his/her residence within the jurisdiction of the diplomatic mission at which he/she is to be registered in the special voter list; such application must be delivered or handed to the diplomatic mission no later than 40 days before the election date; or
(b) vote at the diplomatic mission with their absentee voting certificate.
Verified: 2023/09/18
VO006
Question: Can people vote in advance of the designated national election day(s)?
Answer:
a . No
Comments:
Source: Art. 1 of the Act on elections to the Parliament no. 247/1995 LD.
Verified: 2002/06/26
VO007
Question: If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), how may they do so?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments: Voters can not vote in advance.
Source: Petra Wagnerova, Election Law Expert, Ministry of Interior, Czech Republic, pwagnero(a)csu.notes.cz
Verified: 2002/06/19
VO008
Question: If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), specify who:
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments: Voters can not vote in advance.
Source: Petra Wagnerova, Election Law Expert, Ministry of Interior, Czech Republic, pwagnero(a)csu.notes.cz
Verified: 2002/06/19
VO009
Question: Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Petra Wagnerova, Election Law Expert, Ministry of Interior, Czech Republic, pwagnero(a)csu.notes.cz
Verified: 2002/06/11
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments: Article 39 Voting (1) Having received a Formal Envelope and if necessary a set of ballots, a voter shall enter a voting booth (Article 17, Paragraph 2 hereinbefore) where he/she shall insert no more than one ballot into the Formal Envelope. The voter shall have the right to express his/her preference by marking the ballot prior to inserting it into the Formal Envelope so that he/she encircles the candidate's ballot position number. No more than four candidates listed on one ballot form may be indicated, and no other ballot editing can be accepted.
Source: Electoral Law: Act of Law 247/1995 Coll., on elections to the Parliament of the Czech Republic (amended by 480/2006 Coll.), art. 17, 19, 39, 67, 68.
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/CZ/czech-republic-act-no.-247-on-elections-to-the/view
(2017)
Verified: 2023/09/18
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