Rights and Duties of Observers

56.1 An observer has the right to:

a) observe without hindrance the preparation and conduct of elections, including postelection day meetings, hearings and activities related to the elections, complaints and appeals over election results, and determination of the winning candidates;

b) submit written comments to election commissions and polling station committees;

c) observe the packaging, transfer, delivery, handling, counting, safekeeping, and destruction of ballots;

d) obtain copies of decisions, protocols, tabulations, minutes, and other electoral documents during the entirety of the election processes, including processes before and after election day.

56.2 During the electoral process, including the voter registration process, an accredited observer may submit a complaint of any violation of applicable Rules, Administrative Directions, Electoral Rules, or Administrative Procedure to the CEC in accordance with its procedures.

56.3 An observer has the duty to:

a) respect the requirements of this law and the rules of the CEC;

b) to wear the observer’s identity badge where it can be easily seen when the observer is engaged in observation activities;

c) refrain from wearing distinctive signs that serve as means of propaganda or that might influence the voters’ will or identify them with a particular political entity or a candidate; and

d) refrain from violating the right of the voter to a secret ballot and from hampering the process of voting and the administration of the election.

56.4 An accredited observer organization may send one observer to CEC and MEC meetings.