The rise of election monitoring: what makes elections free and fair?

Article Abstract:

The growing trend towards international monitoring of elections in emerging democracies is spurring demands for the development of standardized assessment criteria. This is centered on discussions of what can be labeled as free and fair elections and referendums. Robert Dahl's writings on the institutional prerequisites of democracy offers valuable insights into the concepts of freedom and fairness as they apply to elections. However, it should be noted that elections are complex processes that vary from country to country, making it impossible to develop a universal set of principles.

Standards

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The rise of election monitoring: the observers observed

Article Abstract:

There is a growing trend towards the observation of national transitional elections as part of international relations. Effective international election observation benefits elections by detecting and even preventing fraud, strengthening electoral processes and standards of election administration while giving the message that holding fair elections is subject to international norms. However, international election observation is plagued by the problems of unqualified observers, overemphasis on the election day and poor application of election standards.

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Mediating elections

Article Abstract:

The practice of mediating elections by international groups is relatively novel but it has already proven to be an effective deterrent to a failure of elections in such areas as Nicaragua, Haiti, Guyana and the Dominican Republic. These countries had authoritarian regimes which could have subverted the will of the electorate had there not been international observers around during election time. As a method of conflict resolution, elections are probably better than others and international mediation makes the event even more effective.

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