The Role of Peacekeeping Operations in Electoral Processes

Elections are complex processes. Free and fair elections require the establishment of suitable conditions in preparation for the election, in the conduct of the election itself, and in the period of transition following the election.

The goals of this research were twofold: On one hand, it identified the role of peacekeeping operations in electoral processes and its comparative advantages, in particular as these relate to missions’ substantive aspects (violence, policing, political parties, human rights, public information, civil affairs, and gender). On the other hand, the project highlighted best practices in these areas for the elaboration of a set of guidelines and recommendations to assist in forthcoming elections. While there were many actors involved in the preparation, conduct and follow-up of elections, this research related exclusively  to the role  and comparative advantage of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations.