Figure 4.1. Electoral dispute-resolution process for dealing with challenges to decisions on the nomination and registration of candidates and political parties In some countries nomination and/or registration-related challenges can be submitted after the announcement of electon results Candidate/party nomination or registration for elections There may be a legally mandated filing fee and/or deposit Election day Maximum complaint time after the decision about nomination or registration is made Maximum i complaint time after the announcement of election results DOES THIS BODY HOLD A HEARING? Who may file a complaint regarding candidate/party nomination or registration? Citizens, candidates, political parties, election observers 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. declare the candidate or party ineligible or eligble, annulment of results, cancellation of election 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 INS TANCE BO DY LAST-INSTANCE DEALING WITH ELEC TORAL BODY DEALING WITH DISPUTES ELECTORAL DISPUTES WHAT REMEDIES ARE AVAILABLE IN THE LAST INSTANCE? E.g. declare the candidate or party ineligible or eligible, annulment of results, cancellation of election 30