Prevention of electoral
disputes
1. Introduction
54. It is important that every EJS establish means or measures to prevent or
avoid electoral disputes. The more respect for the rule of law becomes the
norm, the fewer will be the electoral disputes that need to be resolved by the
organs entrusted with the EDRS.
55. There are several means or measures by which electoral disputes can be
prevented. Some of them come from sources outside the EJS, while others are
generated from within it:
From external sources:
• designing and implementing an appropriate constitutional and statutory
framework for democratic and representative government, human
rights and electoral processes;
• participation by the main political parties and key sectors of society in
designing or reforming the electoral legal framework;
• the development of political culture and civic education, including
democratic principles and values and respect for the rule of law and
human rights;
• the development of a pluralistic political party system and of internal
democracy in political parties;
• gender and minority inclusiveness in government and the political
arena;
• the establishment of equitable conditions for elections, particularly
with regard to financing and media access;
• development of the role of civil society, including its ability to monitor
all stages of the electoral process;
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