1. Apart from that stipulated in the following numbers, in the location where the polling stations are organized and within a 100m radius, the presence of the armed forces is prohibited.

2. When it is necessary to put an end to any disturbance or prevent any aggression or act of violence, either inside the polling station or section, or in the vicinity, or if his/her orders are disregarded, the chief electoral officer, after consulting the electoral office, may request the presence of the armed forces. This will be done in writing, whenever possible. Should this not be possible, the reasons for the request and the period during which the armed forces are present will be mentioned in the electoral minutes.

3. The commander of the armed forces, upon becoming sure that the members of the electoral office are being subject to physical or psychological coercion and that this is impeding the chief electoral officer from making such request, can intervene on his/her own initiative, in order to guarantee the authenticity of the electoral procedure. S/he must withdraw as soon as the chief electoral officer or his/her substitute requests so, or when it becomes clear that his/her presence is no longer justified.

4. When deemed necessary, the commander of the armed forces, or an authorised delegate of his/her, may visit the polling station or section, unarmed and for a maximum period of ten minutes, in order to establish contact with the chief electoral officer or his/her substitute.

5. In the cases outlined in nos. 2 and 3, the electoral operations in the polling station or section will be suspended until it is deemed by the chief electoral officer that conditions are gathered to proceed with the voting, under penalty of the voting being considered null and void.