It is important, therefore, to monitor if there is a balance between the various government and opposition parties and between candidates, particularly with regard to access to print and broadcast media, the ability to address voters and freedom of operation and movement - including access to all areas within the constituency. In the run-up to the presidential and parliamentary elections in October 1995 CUF was repeatedly denied permits by the authorities to hold public meetings in the north of Zanzibar. It is particularly important therefore to establish if any meetings are prevented or restricted. Election observers should monitor the conduct of the national police and security forces, to verify their adherence to international human rights standards and criminal justice standards when dealing with any human rights abuses arising in the context of the elections. Such observers should note whether the police or security force action is prompt, appropriate and proportionate in accordance with international policing standards.
C Identify the reasons why.
Incidents of confrontation or conflict between rival candidates and their supporters, and the response of the authorities to any violence, should be monitored to ensure the protection of candidates. Election observers should attempt, as far as practicable, to verify such reports through independent sources. If the right to peaceful assembly is denied, follow up with local police officials as to the reasons why. If candidates or their supporters are arrested during a public meeting, identify why and try to establish the pattern for such arrests, number of people arrested and investigate any allegations of excessive use of force. If arrests are made on a regular basis then focus on one arrest in detail.