Ben Graham Jones observes a campaign rally during elections in Gabon. (Author photo)What will tomorrow’s elections look like? For those seeking to improve the enterprise of election observation, this is perhaps the most important question of all. This is because observation missions provide concrete recommendations for increased adherence to international democratic standards. Ensuring that these recommendations remain relevant and achievable requires understanding the ways in which elections are transforming.
This article identifies three current trends which will impact the future of election observation. The first is the emergence of online sources of local knowledge. The second is an increasing digitisation of certain processes. The third is a growing feeling amongst observers and policymakers that the implementation of mission recommendations is just as important as the recommendations themselves.
