The ECQ Charter
Our Charter is based on the Electoral and Administrative Review Commission's (EARC) fundamental democratic principles. It aims to ensure the electoral system is free, honest and fair.
Free and democratic electoral events
1. Electors must have only one vote; the ballot must be secret.
2. Electors must be free to cast their votes without coercion or improper influence.
3. The rights, both to vote and to be a candidate, must be preserved.
4. Electors must have the maximum opportunity to cast their votes.
5. Electors must have access to information and assistance to aid them in selecting candidates and casting votes.
6. Ballot papers must be admitted to the count where the voters' intentions are clear.
7. Once admitted to the scrutiny, each elector's vote must be accurately counted.
8. The rights of candidates:
- to be represented at polling
- to be represented at the scrutiny
- to promote their candidacy
must be protected.
Legitimacy
9. Electoral legislation and procedures must be open and regularly reviewed, taking into consideration changing community expectations so that public confidence in the integrity of the electoral system and outcomes can be maintained.
10. Electoral officials must be politically neutral and the conduct and administration of electoral events must never be influenced by political considerations.
11. Electoral officials must have a level of competency that is sufficient to gain voters' respect.
12. All possible steps must be taken to eliminate electoral malpractice and fraud.
13. Political parties play an important part in the election process, and their place in the electoral system should be recognised.
14. Judicial and administrative review procedures should be available to all candidates and electors who wish to query or dispute the conduct or outcome of an electoral event.
A simple voting system
15. Procedures at polling booths must be simple and straightforward.
16. There should be the maximum level of similarity between ballot paper marking methods in Federal, State and local government voting systems.
17. Administrative procedures must be efficient and cost-effective.
18. Election results must be made available without delay.