9 Article 21 1. The Commission shall ensure that these missions are independent and shall provide them with the necessary resources for that purpose. 2. Electoral observer missions shall be conducted by appropriate and competent experts in the area of election monitoring, drawn from continental and national institutions such as, but not limited to, the PanAfrican Parliament, national electoral bodies, national legislatures and eminent persons taking due cognizance of the principles of regional representation and gender equality. 3. Electoral observer missions shall be conducted in an objective, impartial and transparent manner. 4. All electoral observer missions shall present the report of their activities to the Chairperson of the Commission within a reasonable time. 5. A copy of the report shall be submitted to the State Party concerned within a reasonable time. Article 22 State Parties shall create a conducive environment for independent and impartial national monitoring or observation mechanisms. Chapter 8 Sanctions in Cases of Unconstitutional Changes of Government Article 23 State Parties agree that the use of, inter alia, the following illegal means of accessing or maintaining power constitute an unconstitutional change of government and shall draw appropriate sanctions by the Union: 1. 2. 3. 4. Any putsch or coup d’Etat against a democratically elected government. Any intervention by mercenaries to replace a democratically elected government. Any replacement of a democratically elected government by armed dissidents or rebels. Any refusal by an incumbent government to relinquish power to the winning party or candidate after free, fair and regular elections; or