Chapter 1: International Standards enous people is still far less than their demographic weight.259  Moreover, electoral materials should be translated to ensure full understanding of the electoral complaint process.  Illiteracy rates among minorities and indigenous groups present additional challenges to take into account when developing educational materials.  Furthermore, some groups may face intimidation when trying to file claims or access the electoral complaint process. An equal and fair representation of all the groups in an election can maintain or bring stability to a country; focusing on these groups and their access to redress for election violations will further this goal. B. Political Parties Political parties are essential instruments for democratic participation and take part “in the management of public affairs by the presentation of candidates.”260 As clearly stated by the National Democratic Institute, “by competing in elections and mobilizing citizens behind particular visions of society as well as through their performance in the legislature, parties offer citizens meaningful choices in governance, avenues for political participation, and opportunities to shape their country’s future.”261 i. Trainings Political parties should receive training on how to effectively participate in elections, as well as in how to respond if they feel the process is not being conducted in a free and fair manner. Political parties should know, for example, how to file a complaint before the electoral complaint adjudication body. As they are often involved in complaints, they should fully understand the process so that they will accept and respect the final decision. Political parties should also be trained on the importance E.U. Election Observation Mission, Guatemala General Elections Final Report XV (2007) [hereinafter E.U. Guatemala Report]; E.U. Mexico Report, supra note 60, at XXIII. 260 Venice Commission, Report on the Participation of Political Parties in Elections 4 (2006), available at http://www.venice.coe.int/docs/2006/CDL-AD percent282006 percent29025e.asp; see also Venice Commission, GuIdelines and Explanatory Report on Legislation on Political Parties: Some Specific Issues (2004), available at http://www.venice.coe.int/ docs/2004/CDL-AD percent282004 percent29007-e.asp. 261 Political Parties, National Democratic Institute, http://www.ndi.org/political_parties (last visited Jan. 8, 2011). 259 81