Electoral Integrity
Electoral integrity refers to the adherence to internationally recognised principles and standards that ensure elections are conducted transparently, fairly, and credibly, reflecting the genuine will of the people. It encompasses a range of practices and safeguards aimed at upholding the legitimacy of the electoral process and its outcomes.
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Key elements of electoral integrity:
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Free and Fair Elections: Voters must have the freedom to make their choices without coercion, intimidation, or manipulation, and all candidates must have equal access to compete.
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Transparency: The electoral process, from voter registration to vote counting, must be open to public scrutiny to build trust and confidence in the results.
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Inclusivity: All eligible citizens must have equal access to participate in elections, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.
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Accountability: Electoral management bodies, political parties, and other stakeholders must operate with accountability, ensuring compliance with laws and ethical standards.
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Rule of Law: The electoral process must be governed by impartial and consistently applied laws, with mechanisms in place to address disputes effectively.
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Impartial Electoral Management: Electoral authorities must act independently and without bias to ensure the process is conducted fairly.
Electoral integrity is critical to the health of democracy, as it strengthens public trust, enhances political stability, and ensures that governments derive their legitimacy from the consent of the governed.