27. Party systems should be pluralistic, encourage free competition among all parts of society and be inclusive across ethnic lines. Political parties can play a significant and constructive role in formulating policy and in political discourse. Politicians have a particular responsibility to engage in dialogue that is respectful of diversity and to take a clear stance against the incitement to hatred. Party systems, including party organization, activities and funding, must be properly and impartially regulated and should guarantee political pluralism. They should accommodate the participation of all to safeguard diversity, pluralism and the right to be different in a climate of tolerance.63 This entails, inter alia, ensuring that a framework is in place that allows party systems to be inclusive across ethnic lines. Inclusiveness across ethnic lines has several facets. First, based on international standards, persons belonging to minorities have the right to form political parties that represent the interests of that ethnic minority.64 Any limitations on the formation of political parties on an ethnic or religious basis must be in line with the norms of international law and the principles embedded in the ECHR.65 This concerns, inter alia, avoiding numerical and geographical conditions for registration that may unduly or disproportionately limit the political rights of persons belonging to minorities. Second, while ethnic parties should not be prohibited, per se, they are also bound, like any other actor, by the prohibition against discrimination. While parties might have an objective to promote and protect the rights and interests of one particular group, they should not refuse membership based on ethnic affiliation. Third, mainstream parties also should adhere to the principles of democratic governance, and should consider promoting the participation of persons belonging to minorities.66 Fourth, the overall framework for political participation should be designed to facilitate the inclusion of minority issues in the public debate as well as to promote the political participation of persons belonging to minorities. This should include displaying electoral information and advertising in minority languages, providing opportunities for the use of minority languages in the media and producing electoral material in minority languages. 63 64 65 66 UDD, paragraphs 12 and 22. In addition, important specifications to these principles are provided by the ODIHR and the Venice Commission, Guidelines on Political Party Regulations, 2001. Including FCNM, article 7. Commentary on Participation, paragraph 75. Commentary on Participation, paragraph 78. Guidelines on Integration of Diverse Societies 35