No source of international humanitarian law, which is the main international legal regime applicable to occupied territory, refers specifically to elections. It was most likely assumed that the state of occupation would typically make part of an ongoing armed conflict and then, no elections would be held (as was the case during WWII). In case of a long-lasting occupation or an occupation not accompanied by active hostilities, elections might and, indeed, should be held. In accordance with the general rules governing the state of occupation, the occupied territory should be treated as a territory which does not form part of the national territory of the occupying State and which is subject to only a temporary authority of this State. The legal regulation in force prior to the occupation should be applicable to the extent possible. If there is no such regulation available, special legal acts applicable only to the elections in the occupied territory should be adopted, ideally by the legislative (norm-creating) body operating within this territory (regional or local parliaments) and for the purpose of the elections to such a body. The occupier should avoid making any important institutional changes.