THE HIERARCHY OF LAWS - IFES

THE HIERARCHY OF LAWS

Understanding and Implementing the Legal Frameworks that Govern Elections

Michael Clegg, Katherine Ellena, David Ennis, Chad Vickery

THE HIERARCHY OF LAWS Understanding and Implementing the Legal Frameworks that Govern Elections Copyright ? 2016 International Foundation for Electoral Systems. All rights reserved.

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About IFES

The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) supports citizens' right to participate in free and fair elections. Our independent expertise strengthens electoral systems and builds local capacity to deliver sustainable solutions.

As the global leader in democracy promotion, we advance good governance and democratic rights by: ? Providing technical assistance to election officials ? Empowering the under-represented to participate in the political process ? Applying field-based research to improve the electoral cycle

Since 1987, IFES has worked in 145 countries ? from developing democracies, to mature democracies.

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Table of Contents

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 1 The Hierarchy of Laws................................................................................................................................... 1 The Hierarchy of Laws ? A Snapshot............................................................................................................. 3

Constitution or other Founding Document .............................................................................................. 4 Treaties/International Obligations............................................................................................................ 6 Statutes/Legislation .................................................................................................................................. 8 Presidential Decrees/Executive Orders .................................................................................................. 11 Common Law/Case Law .......................................................................................................................... 12 Regulations.............................................................................................................................................. 14 Procedures .............................................................................................................................................. 15 Codes of Conduct .................................................................................................................................... 17 Policies .................................................................................................................................................... 18 Examples of Constitutional Principles, Laws, Regulations and Procedures for Elections........................... 20 Resources .................................................................................................................................................... 21

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