Observing national elections

As of 1993, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has decided to be present at national electoral processes which are organized, supervised, or verified by the United Nations. IPU election-observer missions are composed of parliamentarians who observe the registration of voters, the election campaign, the casting of ballots, and the verification of the results. IPU has sent election-observer teams to Namibia (1989), Cambodia (1993), and El Salvador (1994).

1. Respecting democratic processes
2. Maintaining democratic political foundation

1. Registering local voters
2. Reducing threats against voters
3. Reducing discrimination against those seeking election
4. Implementing democracy
5. Generating electoral action
6. Ensuring just election timing
7. Enabling fair elections
8. Assisting countries in the transition to democracy

1. Undermining dictatorship of the majority
2. Obstructing elections
3. Manipulating elections
4. Limiting right to vote
5. Denying democracy in communist systems
6. Abstaining from democracy

1. Unjust election timing
2. Unfair elections
3. Political party manipulation of elections
4. Obstruction of elections
5. Electoral organization favouring political incumbents
6. Bias in selection of political candidates