Monitoring Democracy

When international election observation works and why it often fails

by

Judith Kelley

International election observers embody the liberal belief that it is possible for external actors to promote democracy. Their popularity and influence have increased in tandem. But do they actually provide reliable information? And do they, as they claim, improve the quality of elections? Although international monitoring organizations have operated for years and accumulated much experience, they face serious problems. This book points out many issues that monitoring organizations may know but seek to avoid discussing openly, and suggests reforms are needed if international election monitoring is to play a constructive role in democracy promotion.

The book analyzes original data on over 600 monitoring missions and over 1,300 elections to explore central questions about election monitoring, which has become the flagship activity of democracy promotion. The analysis is grounded in a solid historical context and examines many fascinating interactions between international monitors and domestic politicians. Throughout, the book is peppered with illustrations from countries around the world, and the statistical analysis is complemented by 15 thorough and systematic country studies that follow developments over the course of several elections.

This book crystallizes several dilemmas that the international community faces regarding its use of international election monitoring to promote democracy. It refutes arguments that international efforts cannot curb government behavior and that democratization is entirely a domestic process. Yet it also boosts the critics who argue that democracy promotion efforts are deficient and that in some situations outside actors are regrettably powerless. The conclusion raises a host of interesting questions to stimulate discussion about the quandaries the international community faces regarding both election monitoring and the promotion of democracy and liberal values more generally.