51. Under the Code, the SEC and MECs are given explicit supervisory authority over subordinate election bodies and officials.[15] The addition of supervisory responsibility to the enumerated competences of these bodies is an important enhancement of their authority to control electoral administration and correct problems. In the past, the SEC and other election bodies often took the position that they were not empowered to supervise subordinates and respond to irregularities, instead acting only when a complaint was submitted supported by legally-sufficient evidence.
