Data shows that the most frequently observed first-instance bodies are courts of general jurisdiction and EMBs, followed by constitutional courts or councils. When it comes to the last-instance bodies it is notable that, in the vast majority of countries, the highest level of court of general jurisdiction performs this function. Constitutional courts or councils are the last-instance bodies in only 13 countries. Figure 3.1. The electoral dispute-resolution process for election results Election Day! Some challenges can be submitted on election day or between election day and announcement of results. There may be a legally mandated filing fee and/or deposit. Announcement of election results! Maximum i complaint time since announcement of election results. DOES THIS BODY HOLD A HEARING? Who may file a complaint regarding election results? Citizens, candidates, political parties, election observers, government representatives, electoral management bodies DOES IT ISSUE A JUSTIFIED AND REASONED DECISION? FIRST-INSTANCE BODY DEALING WITH ELECTORAL DISPUTES WHAT REMEDIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE FIRST-INSTANCE BODY? E.g. annulment of results, cancellation of election, re-election, recount, correction of results YES IS IT POSSIBLE TO APPEAL THE DECISION OF THE FIRSTINSTANCE BODY? NO Dispute ends here. Intermediate instances, if any (not directly covered in the database). There may be a legally mandated filing fee and/or deposit. DOES THIS BODY HOLD A HEARING? DOES IT ISSUE JUSTIFIED AND REASONED DECISION? LAST INSTANCE BODY LAST-INSTANCE DEALING WITH ELECTORAL BODY DEALING WITH DISPUTES ELECTORAL DISPUTES WHAT REMEDIES ARE AVAILABLE IN THE LAST INSTANCE? E.g. annulment of results, cancellation of election, re-election, recount, correction of results 17