Do elections help to realise democratic ideals?
Electoral integrity is:
“the realization of principles in the conduct of elections that are necessary to support the broader realisation of democratic ideals”
(James and Alihodzic, 2020, 350)
These principles include opportunities for deliberation, equality of contestation, equality of participation, electoral management quality and institutionalised rules.
Whether it is incomplete electoral registers, lack of trust in institutions or attempts to rig the system – these ideals are not always met.
Toby S. James 