Monitoring and evaluation of electoral support (GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report)
This report covers indicators for measuring the performance of an electoral event and the impact of donor support on the electoral cycle
Abstract
Query
Please provide an overview of approaches to monitoring and evaluation of electoral support. Please include information on indicators for measuring: the performance of an electoral event; and the impact of donor support to components of the electoral cycle.
Key findings
Electoral support interventions by international actors comprise primarily of electoral observation and electoral assistance. Electoral observation should be of an impartial nature based on the principle of non-interference. Electoral assistance, in contrast, is of an advisory nature and refers to technical or material support to electoral processes. It may be provided during all phases of the electoral circle and it can be directed at a broad range of activities and at a wide range of electoral stakeholders.
The international community has moved toward an understanding that electoral assistance and observation should not be focused purely upon the election day and immediate lead-up to elections. Rather, elections should be seen as a sequential process or cycle involving a long series of steps. Despite the investment in electoral events and in electoral support, there is very limited discussion in the literature on specific approaches to measuring the performance of electoral events. In addition, there is broad consensus that monitoring and evaluation remains the most neglected and underdeveloped component of electoral support programmes.
Citation
Haider, H. Monitoring and evaluation of electoral support (GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report). Governance and Social Development Resource Centre, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK (2012) 25 pp.
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