At the heart of the topic of electoral integrity is preserving the ability of voters to participate in genuine elections.
This topic area therefore discusses issues of transparency, accountability and accuracy in electoral administration, as well as the ethical behaviour of key players able to contribute to maintaining integrity. The means to protect integrity are of various types and are contained throughout the electoral process: In the legal framework for elections; implemented through the institutional structure; and administered by election management bodies and other authorities involved in election administration. The official safeguards of electoral integrity in turn are strengthened by an active and educated electorate, effective and responsible political parties and candidates, and objective national and international election observation. In other words, the topic of integrity in elections is a cross-cutting one.
