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The Hierarchy of Laws: Understanding and Implementing the Legal Frameworks that Govern Elections

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Description: This paper is intended as a guide for election practitioners who are interpreting, developing, and implementing legal and regulatory frameworks for elections, and who should understand the hierarchy of these laws. For each level of that hierarchy, this paper sets out the law’s purpose; the actor with drafting responsibility; the source of authority; the actor with enforcement responsibility; the amendment process; and why it has more authority than the form of law one step below it. Understanding these principles of hierarchy can help election management bodies (EMBs) fully execute their legal mandate to develop and enforce rules and procedures that give effect to electoral laws, and ultimately protect fundamental civil and political rights.

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