Supporting Electoral Integrity: Focus on Africa

The global rise of authoritarianism and democratic backsliding frame the current debate on electoral processes. But even the most authoritarian regimes tend to build their legitimacy on popular vote, often at the cost of the rule of law and human rights.

The Nordic Africa Institute, together with Swedish School of Social Science and the Rule of Law Centre of the University of Helsinki, and Demo Finland will host a panel discussion on electoral integrity with a focus on the African context.

What are the forces undermining the integrity of elections and representative decision-making? What entry points are there for the international community to support free and fair elections in Africa’s multiparty systems? The panel will address the significance of elections for the rules-based international order; the role of civic education and the development of democratic culture; disinformation as a tool to manipulate electorates and elections; electoral violence, before, during and after the polling; inclusion/exclusion of different population groups; national, regional and international election observation, and more!

Join us on Tuesday 21 March, 15:00–16:30 (GMT+2), at the Swedish School of Social Science at the University of Helsinki, Snellmaninkatu 12, Helsinki, or online.