This requirement of equal treatment – the principle of equality of opportunity – implies that there is an effective remedy against misuse of administrative resources by both the incumbent political parties and civil servants during electoral processes but also during the period under which they are in power and especially during the period immediately foregoing the electoral process. Following the principle of neutrality that guarantees a level playing field for all political contestants and that entails an impartial behaviour by civil servants during the whole electoral process, it is important that authorities of all levels stay away from the election process in order to avoid any kind of interference and guarantee fairness and impartiality during the entire electoral process. Moreover, in countries where re-election is allowed, officials in public positions that are running for office should not use their opportunities as officials when they campaign and act as candidates. Norms dealing with misuse of administrative resources by public officials aimed at consolidating repetitive practices identifiable as democratic principles, the guarantee of equality for each political party and the safeguard of the principle of free and fair elections.