Campaigns are events where voters receive information about the political parties, their candidates and their political platform. Voters use this information to make a choice among the competing candidate and parties on polling day.
For voters to be able to make a rational and informed choice, they need clear and accurate information on the candidates, platforms and issues. They need to be able to make a decision on who to vote for in a secure environment, free from fear or intimidation. Integrity suffers when voters are unable to attend a campaign rally or openly support a political party or candidate because they are harassed by the supporters of another political party.
Candidates and political parties need the support of the voters in order to win an election. Integrity requires that they be able to get their message out without interference, and without having to resort to violence or smear tactics.
Campaign ethics and the behaviour of the parties, candidates and their supporters has a direct impact on the integrity of the electoral process. Unethical campaign behaviour or treatment that artificially affects the election outcome and the process does not allow for a free, fair or credible election.
To ensure integrity in the electoral campaign, most electoral systems require campaigns to be conducted:
- according to the rules and regulations established in the legal framework;
- without coercion or vote buying;
- respecting the calendar of the elections;
- respecting the right and freedom of other parties to organize and campaign, and to reach out to voters with their messages;
- respecting the rights of voters to obtain information from a variety of sources, and to attend political rallies of other parties;
- ethically, focusing on political issues and candidate platforms, instead of conducting smear campaigns or ones of rumour and innuendo;
- nonviolently, without intimidating opposing party candidates, opposition supporters or the media, and without the use of language inciting their own supporters to violence;
- respecting the freedom of the press to cover the campaign and to express opinions on the campaigns;
- respecting the electoral managers and not interfering with the performance of their duties;
- using the official complaint process and the legal system for appeals; and
- accepting and complying with the official election results and the final decision of the election dispute resolution organization.
