1. 1. The legal framework should provide for a general prohibition of the misuse of administrative resources during electoral processes. The prohibition has to be established in a clear and predictable manner. Sanctions for misuse of administrative resources have to be provided for and implemented. Such sanctions need to be enforceable, proportionate and dissuasive.

1. 2. Stability of the law is a crucial element for the credibility of electoral processes. It is therefore important that stability of electoral law be ensured in order to protect it against political manipulation. This applies not least to the rules on the use of administrative resources.

1. 3. It is important that rules – including laws, agreements and commitments that regulate or relate to the use of administrative resources during electoral processes, as well as judicial decisions interpreting them – are clear and accessible to all stakeholders, including public authorities, civil servants, voters, candidates, political parties, and that sanctions and consequences for not abiding with these rules are foreseeable.

1. 4. The possibility to bring complaints about the misuse of administrative resources to an independent and impartial tribunal – or equivalent judicial body – or to apply to an authorised law-enforcement body should be central in ensuring the appropriate use and to prevent the misuse of administrative resources during electoral processes.