54. One thing that has been lacking in the legislative provisions on the disciplinary powers of election commissions is the authority to impose administrative sanctions on subordinate officials who commit or permit irregularities and illegalities in election administration. However, the Code adds two significant new disciplinary tools: First, the SEC is empowered to “initiate and lead a misdemeanour procedure in accordance with law.” (Article 31 [3]; but the precise nature of such a proceeding is outside the scope of this commentary.) Second, unlawful activities by the president or members/deputies of the MECs would be subject to disciplinary proceedings under the Law on Civil Servants.[18]
