Presentation at the UN on electoral integrity

On November, 4, 2016 Pippa Norris gave a talk on “Strengthening Electoral Integrity: The Pragmatic Case for Assistance” at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, USA. The talk was drawn from the final volume of a Cambridge book trilogy on electoral integrity: “Strengthening Electoral Integrity”.

Abstract: Today a general mood of pessimism surrounds international efforts to strengthen elections and democracy abroad. Observers claim that democracy is in decline or retreat. Skepticism reflects a broader public mood of isolationism and retreat. To counter the prevailing ethos, this talk presents new evidence for the pragmatic case why programs of electoral assistance work. New research demonstrates that electoral integrity is strengthened by a series of practical projects where international organizations and bilateral donors support the efforts of local stakeholders – to reform electoral laws, strengthen women’s representation, develop independent journalism, regulate money in politics, and improve voter registration. These issues are critical for developing states – but also for long-established democracies.

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