Examine why some democratic countries find it difficult to hold ‘safe and fair’ elections.

fair elections

Key words: ‘Examine’, ‘democratic’, ‘difficult’, ‘safe and fair’, elections’

• Change from dictatorship (Arab spring/Libya/Egypt)
• Instability (still supporters of the old regime)
Elections are complex, involving a whole population (the problem of logistics)
• Open to bribery and corruption (the problem of independent monitoring)
• Violent intimidation prevents turnout
• It can appear a sham eg, present government manipulates the process to win re-election
• Tends to be difficult in developing countries –depends whether there is a tradition of democracy
• Cost and security of election booths
• Some response might choose to emphasise the fairness of the system via discussion of media involvement, smear campaigns etc.