Political party monitors are an essential component in obtaining and maintaining integrity. According to the International Institute for Democratic and Electoral Assistance (IDEA):
The role of political parties in election observation is critical, for it is the parties that have the greatest self-interest in monitoring an election process. They are the best situated to assess the political environment, identify the impediments to free campaigning, the implications of electoral system choice, etc. In addition, strong parties that can establish a nationwide presence at polling stations on election day are often the best positioned to act as a deterrent to irregularities and attempts at manipulation. 261
Political party monitors are the agents of the political parties and candidates participating in the election. As such, in most systems they are given the authority to not only monitor the electoral process, but to intervene if they believe the legal requirements are not being respected. They can also be an integral part of the administrative process, by validating ballots and tally sheets through their signature, and by participating in polling administration and the count. Although this is a voluntary role in most systems, and voting or the count is not held up if a political party monitor is not present.
The roles played by monitors and candidates differ. Candidates are active campaigners, working to convince voters to vote for them. Monitors are observers, and should not attempt to influence the vote of those they are observing. Monitoring is done impartially and professionally. The South African code of conduct for political parties underscores the difference in the roles between monitors and candidates, and how candidates should leave monitoring to their agents:
The presence of candidates themselves creates a danger of escalating tension and conflict. Even if candidates do not behave in a threatening manner, voters may feel intimidated by their presence and lack confidence in the secrecy of their vote, particularly in areas characterized by inter-party conflict and violence. Therefore, the election regulations should prohibit the presence of candidates within the inner perimeter of a voting station, in keeping with international practice.
Party agents who are well trained in the various aspects of the Election Law and regulations, will be best able to monitor the proceedings and protect the interest of the parties.... However, their role will only be constructive if these agents understand exactly what is expected of them, what their rights and responsibilities are, and what they are not permitted to do. It is the political parties, which must undertake to ensure that each of their agents is fully trained and ready to abide by the Electoral Code of Conduct and all other regulations. 262
To protect the integrity of the process and the interests of their party and candidates, monitors usually:
- check the voter registration lists to make sure they are accurate; that the voter exists, is not registered multiple times, and that no ineligible persons have registered. The monitor can also verify that their party's supporters have been able to register without interference or other problems;
- ask questions immediately as soon as something irregular or suspicious occurs during registration, polling or the count. If an acceptable answer is not received from the election authorities, a formal, written complaint can be made. This is done through the official complaint process, using the proper forms and attaching all supporting documentation required. A copy of the complaint can also be sent to their political party or candidate, to domestic and international observation groups, and the media;
- sign the polling records and tally sheets to verify the accuracy of the information on the reports. If there is a discrepancy between the official report and what the monitors have observed, the monitors are usually able to note their disagreement on the official form. Monitors should get a copy of any sheets that they have signed;
- undertake a parallel vote count using the copies of the tally sheets collected from every polling site monitored. The parallel count can be compared to the official results and any differences reported immediately through the official complaint mechanism. Copies of their tally sheets for the disputed sites are attached to the complaint. Domestic and international observers, as well as the media, can receive a copy of the complaint;
- validate electoral materials to certify that they are official and in proper order. This can be a mechanism such as signing the back of a ballot before it is handed to a voter to certify that it is official and blank, and by ensuring that only those ballots with their signatures are counted as valid ballots; and
- sign the official results to certify its accuracy, and that it faithfully reflects the consolidation of the votes.
