EX.CL/91 (V) Annex II Page 9 substantial restrictions on the freedom of expression, association and assembly? 4.6.7 Are there clearly articulated rules for political party funding to be respected by all parties and candidates? 4.6.8 Is the Voter education that should be provided non-partisan, independent and co-ordinated throughout the country? 4.6.9 Will there be equitable use or access to public resources for election campaigning? 4.6.10 Is the registration of voters undertaken without prejudice or discrimination on the basis of gender, race, religion, region or ethnicity? 4.6.11 Does an Independent Media Authority responsible for monitoring and regulating the media to allow equitable access to the public media of all contesting parties and candidates function? 4.7 The decision about dispatching an observer and monitoring mission in a member country holding elections must be informed by a preliminary assessment of the country’s social, economic, political and constitutional arrangements. 4.8 African states differ in terms of their organizational capacity, financial and human resources, infrastructural development – notably road, telecommunication and technological infrastructure – which have an impact on the way elections are organised across the continent. However, these factors should not compromise the conduct of free, fair and transparent elections. 4.9 The Electoral Assessment Team should advise the AU Electoral Assistance Unit on whether or not to undertake an AU mission. In both cases there are a number of options, which the AU could consider. 4.10 If the decision is to send an observation or monitoring mission, the Assessment Team must advise the AU on the nature of the mission— observation, technical assistance, monitoring or supervision—that should be undertaken. A combination of some of these options could also be envisaged. However the recommended mix of mandate should ensure there is no conflict of interest. 4.11 If the decision is not to send an observation or monitoring mission because of the prevailing unsatisfactory conditions in the country, two intermediate responses could be envisaged. First, if the host country is prepared to accept assistance from the AU to remedy the situation, a