Enabling fair elections

Holding free elections
Supporting democratic voting
Ensuring just election administration
Providing fair elections

Context

The necessity of enabling fair elections emerged prominently in the 20th century amid widespread post-war democratization and decolonization movements. Initial recognition stemmed from observed election manipulation and disenfranchisement, notably documented by organizations such as the United Nations and the Carter Center. Over time, global attention intensified with empirical studies, monitoring missions, and enduring advocacy, highlighting systematic challenges and prompting international standards to foster transparent, participatory electoral processes across diverse political contexts.

Implementation

Since its inception in 1945, the United Nations has enabled people in over 45 countries to participate in free and fair elections, including those held in Cambodia, Namibia, El Salvador, Eritrea, Mozambique and Nicaragua. It has provided electoral advice, assistance and monitoring of results. Most recently it has played a major part in bringing about the downfall of the apartheid system in South Africa, which the General Assembly called "a crime against humanity". Elections were held in April 1994 in which all South Africans were allowed to participate on an equal basis, followed by the establishment of a majority government.

Claim

Enabling fair elections is an absolutely critical strategy for any functioning democracy. Without fair elections, governments lose legitimacy, corruption flourishes, and citizens’ voices go unheard. Fair elections ensure accountability, protect rights, and foster public trust. Any attempt to undermine electoral fairness is an attack on the very foundation of freedom. Our commitment to fair elections must be unwavering—nothing less safeguards justice, equality, and the health of our society’s future.