The guiding principles outlined in Guiding Principles may only be high ideals unless there are mechanisms
in place to ensure those principles are upheld by both administrators and participants in the
electoral process. These mechanisms can be spelled out in the election law or in one or more
voluntary codes of conduct subscribed to by election participants, including election
administrators of whatever level, the media, NGOs, political parties and candidates.
A clear disciplinary procedure will necessarily include procedures for the following functions:
- reporting suspected violations of law, regulations, or applicable code of conduct
- investigating suspected violations, including designation of who is responsible, how long
they have to investigate, and what resources are to be placed at their disposal
- holding hearings on suspected violations and any evidence presented
- issuing and publicising rulings
- filing appeals, including time limits for appeals and allowable bases for appeal
- imposing sanctions and the range of allowable sanctions
One example of the types of codes that cover the participants is found in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
These codes are contained in Chapter VII and deal separately with the various electoral
participants. Such codes can supplement electoral law provisions if they are not included within
the body of the law and will be drawn up under different conditions in each country. It is
important, however, that the participants understand the rules under which they operate and the
sanctions which may be used against them if they transgress.
The role of investigator of alleged breaches of the various codes requires detailed consideration,
and all aspects of the enforcement of the codes should be governed by the guiding principles and
the rules of natural justice, openness and fairness.
