Civil society has put forward guidelines to improve the electoral process in the context of the next legislative elections.
Civil society organizations that intervened to support the electoral process are convinced that the establishment of the National Authority for the Regulation of Mediated Communication (ANRCM) and the strengthening of the Commission for the Control of Political Life (CCFVP) should be an opportunity not to be missed for the executive to guarantee the integrity of the process in the context of the next legislative elections. These two entities are considered “ essential », for these organizations, to ensure democratic participation by regulating the media and financing of electoral campaigns.
Authenticated data. Also, civil society calls on the electoral administration and the courts to play a crucial role in promoting transparency and access to information. It is essential, consider civil society organizations, that the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) and its branches facilitate access for candidates, observers and journalists to the premises of polling stations and census services, as well as ‘to authenticated electoral data. Regular consultations are also recommended to promote fruitful exchanges between all electoral stakeholders.
Neutrality. The High Constitutional Court is also called upon to rule on the exception of unconstitutionality concerning Ordinance 60-08 relating to public meetings and demonstrations on public roads. This decision is necessary, they believe, to guarantee public freedoms and equal treatment of candidates, in accordance with international standards. Another aspect highlighted by civil society organizations is respect for the obligation of neutrality of the Administration and public officials during electoral periods. Measures are recommended to ensure that public officials respect their duty of neutrality, with sanctions provided for in the event of non-compliance.
Consistency. Furthermore, civil society encourages the CENI and other electoral experts to plan and implement the strengthening of the technical capacities of actors involved in the electoral process. This includes polling station workers, election observers, media and voter education structures. Coordination between the different authorities is also encouraged by civil society to ensure the coherence of interventions.
Collected by Rija R.