Reducing Election Monitoring Would Be a Dangerous Error

International Election Observation Faces Growing Challenges and New Threats

Election observation, a critical pillar of democratic governance worldwide, faces mounting threats from authoritarian powers intent on undermining transparent electoral processes. Russia in particular has emerged as a significant antagonist to international observation efforts, actively promoting alternative narratives that challenge the credibility of established monitoring organizations.

In recent years, a Russian parliamentary commission issued scathing criticism of legitimate observation missions, advocating for the creation of alternative monitoring bodies. These Russian-backed initiatives often serve to spread disinformation and provide unwarranted legitimacy to authoritarian regimes. Similar patterns have emerged in countries like Azerbaijan and Belarus, where governments hostile to independent scrutiny have attempted to undermine credible international observation.

“When a credible international observation mission publishes a measured and facts-based assessment, it becomes a reference point for citizens and institutions alike,” notes an expert familiar with these operations. These assessments serve as anchors for democratic dialogue and provide benchmarks against which electoral conduct can be measured. Perhaps most importantly, they signal to citizens that the international community stands in support of their right to meaningful electoral choice.

The Declaration of Principles on International Election Observation (DoP), a landmark document that established global standards for impartial monitoring, recently marked its 20th anniversary. Last month, the DoP’s endorsers—including the European Union, United Nations, African Union, Organization of American States, and dozens of international organizations and NGOs—gathered at the UN in Geneva to reaffirm their commitment to strengthening election observation despite new threats and funding challenges.

The importance of this recommitment was underscored just days later when Dr. Sarah Bireete, a prominent non-partisan citizen observer, was detained ahead of Uganda’s January 15 elections. This incident exemplifies the dangers faced by those who work to ensure electoral integrity in challenging environments.

As electoral processes evolve in the digital age, so too must observation methodologies. Modern monitoring now extends beyond traditional ballot boxes to encompass algorithms, online narratives, and the growing influence of artificial intelligence. Organizations are developing new tools to verify data, detect manipulation, and harness AI as a positive force for electoral integrity. This technological adaptation is essential as the nature of electoral interference becomes increasingly sophisticated.

The challenges facing election observation reflect broader global tensions between democratic and authoritarian governance models. As power plays intensify and shared truths become contested, the role of independent observers becomes more vital—yet more threatened—than ever before.

“Election observation is only worthwhile if we’re willing to defend the principle of democracy itself,” says one advocate who was born under dictatorial rule. “Democratic freedoms cannot be taken for granted.”

The European Union, with its substantial diplomatic and financial resources, remains a crucial supporter of international election observation. In an era where democratic backsliding has become a global concern, the EU’s continued championship of robust, independent observation missions sends an important signal about European values and priorities.

The coming years will likely see intensified competition between those who support transparent, credible election monitoring and those who seek to undermine it for political advantage. The resolution of this contest will have profound implications for democratic governance worldwide.

In this environment, democracy needs both witnesses who can document electoral processes and champions who will defend democratic principles against increasingly coordinated attacks. The future health of global democracy may depend significantly on whether the international community can protect and strengthen election observation in the face of growing hostility from authoritarian powers.