Within this framework, last minute amendments (for example, regarding the time of the election or establishing re-election) should be prohibited. In order to avoid abuse of power and manipulation of the process and ensure the stability of the process, the law should establish time restrictions with regard to the passing of amendments to the electoral law. Clear rules on the criteria to be used in determining whether a ballot is valid or not should also be defined by law. The law should establish clear procedures for counting ballots, in spite of the method used (manual, mechanical or electronic). In addition, in order to avoid corruption and manipulations, voter registers should be made available for public scrutiny at no cost. There should be predefined and clear rules for the inclusion or removal of a voter from the register. The law should also clearly define the composition of the election management body, as well as its structure and procedures for the appointment of members. Among other things, the responsibilities of such bodies usually include the establishment of clear voting procedures, the registration of voters and the management of voter registers, measures to ensure the secrecy of the vote and the integrity of the electoral process, including ensuring the transparent counting and tabulation of votes, and the certification of election results, among others. The law should also clearly define the body’s roles and responsibilities, ensuring that sufficient and timely resources are provided. The law should provide for the establishment of an autonomous and impartial election management body. Moreover, to prevent corruption and ensure a level playing field, election laws should seek to regulate the following : In this context, it is instrumental that the overall legal framework governing elections is unambiguous, understandable and transparent. Relevant guidance for Police Scotland is available here.Īssociated reference material is available here.Ī Welsh language version of the APP and associated reference material has been produced by the Electoral Commission.The legal framework for elections usually includes constitutional provisions, the electoral law and other laws that may have an impact on elections, such as laws on political parties. Products for candidates and campaigners have also been developed in response to the recommendations made in the Committee on Standards in Public Life’s report.įor further information, see Candidates and campaigners.ĪPP on policing elections applies to police forces in England and Wales only. All these factors will need to be considered when carrying out a threat assessment. Chief officers are responsible for ensuring that processes, structures and resource are in place to mitigate intimidation of candidates and to investigate any allegations or offences. The police service has a responsibility to support victims and investigate allegations and offences related to this type of intimidation. The Committee on Standards in Public Life’s report on Intimidation in Public Life highlights the prevalence of harassment, abuse and intimidation experienced by parliamentary candidates during the 2017 general election. The content will assist their work with electoral registration officers, returning officers and counting officers to minimise the potential for malpractice in the electoral process.ĪPP on policing elections will also alert forces to issues that may arise in the run-up to polling day, on polling day itself and at related events. Public confidence can also be affected by the perception that an initial response to allegations or complaints of electoral malpractice is ineffective.Īuthorised professional practice (APP) on policing elections is designed to support police officers and, in particular, force election single points of contact (SPOCs), who are required to contribute to planning the police response to elections and prevent and detect electoral malpractice. Electoral malpractice is rare but can attract considerable media attention and undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
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