57. What power is granted to the institution(s) responsible for examining reports and/or investigating violations?

Micronesia, Federated States of

Micronesia, Federated States of

Answer
Carry out investigation
Source

The National Election Director shall have responsibility for the overall supervision and administration of all National Elections, and shall perform such duties as are prescribed by law or regulation, which include, but are not limited to, the following:

….

(9) to review and investigate all registration and election irregularities, and any other alleged violations of this title, and where appropriate, to seek the assistance of other departments and agencies within the National Government with such investigations, provided, that in relation to assistance from the Department of Justice:

(a) the Secretary of Justice or an attorney employed by the Department of Justice shall not provide assistance to the National Election Director unless he or she makes a written request for legal advice, in which the scope of the legal advice sought is clearly identified;

(b) when providing legal advice pursuant to paragraph (9)(a) of this section, neither the Secretary of Justice nor any attorney employed by the Department of Justice shall make a decision in relation to a matter arising under this title independently of the National Election Director; and

(c) notwithstanding anything in this subsection, neither the Secretary of Justice nor any attorney employed by the Department of Justice shall actively participate in the conduct of a National Election, provided, that he or she may be present to observe and provide advice upon request;

Source: Article 303, Title 9, Revised Code of the Federated States of Micronesia 2014,

 

In absence of political parties, all candidates stand as independents in Micronesia and campaigning usually focuses on local issues

Source: IPU Parline Database, Federated States of Micronesia Congress Last Elections (March 2017) at http://archive.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/2213_E.htm accessed January 20 2018

Comment

Alleged vote buying and abuse if State resources by candidates can be investigated by the National Director of Elections, and  who can request assistance in this from other State bodies. There is no regulatory framework for other aspects of political finance. There are no political parties in Micronesia, and political parties are not regulated in the Constitution, or the Code of the Federated States of Micronesia.

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