Electoral Justice Project

Electoral justice may be defined as a series of protective means and mechanisms designed to uphold the principles of free, fair, and legitimate elections, as well as to safeguard the political-electoral rights of all people. An electoral justice system that resolves political conflict through different legal mechanisms, guaranteeing full compliance with the law, enables democracy to thrive. This deepens the importance of strong electoral bodies, and improving the framework within which political, administrative, and judicial institutions coexist. In consequence, it provides cognitive elements that will assure social stability.

An EJS that is focused only on the most active part of the electoral cycle – that surrounding polling day – is not the best way to ensure that electoral processes and their outcomes comply with the legal framework. The pre-electoral and post-electoral periods can offer better opportunities. Electoral justice and other related concepts for improper efforts to place obstacles in the way of free, fair, and genuine elections, or to manipulate or divert procedures for partisan interests through illegal and illegitimate practices (for example, with respect to the electoral register or political party revenues). Several activities are carried out during the pre-electoral period, such as designing and drafting election laws, employing, and training electoral personnel, and planning by the authorities entrusted with organizing the electoral process and resolving electoral disputes. Some of these activities may be subject to challenge as part of the EDRS, such as decisions related to the delimitation of electoral district boundaries; determinations on whether to grant, reject or cancel the registration of political parties; the updating of voter registers; and information on the electoral process and civic education. Also, some actions of political parties related to their internal democracy – such as approval of their constitutions and internal procedures, selection of party leaders and candidates for office or the expulsion of members and other sanctions – may be subject to regulation and challenge.

School of Leadership will closely monitor election and organize a study circle group and educate them on electoral law and its mechanism in different district to assist local election commission body’s.