Election Observation Missions: Influence and Controversy

Extract

[...] Guevara called at the time for a reform of the Salvadoran electoral system. She proposed concrete measures to combat the influence of gangs, such as the establishment of an independent electoral observatory and the strengthening of sanctions against electoral intimidation and fraud. Today, President Bukele has just been congratulated for his re-election with over 85% of the votes by notably . the United States1. This leads to questioning the interference of external powers in the conduct of elections in emerging countries. [...]

[...] The interference of EOMs and the influence of external powers on elections call for a thorough reflection and reforms to ensure free and transparent elections. Article A vote organized by gangs? Observation of an international election observation mission of the 2014 presidential election in El Salvador - Erica Guevara (2018) Erica Guevara's study highlights the influence of gangs on the 2014 Salvadoran election, emphasizing their intimidation and pressure strategy on voters. This continued interference continues to affect Salvadoran politics, with Bukele's authoritarian regime established in 2022 to wage war on gangs. [...]

[...] The political scientist Robert MacDonald highlights the importance of the EU's electoral observation missions (EOMs) in Africa to ensure the transparency of elections. However, he regrets their lack of media visibility and the emphasis on judging the election rather than analyzing local contexts and formulating concrete recommendations. The EU's EOM in Senegal in 2024 contributed to the release of political opponents and the annulment of the postponement of the presidential elections. However, the usefulness and objectivity of EOMs are questioned, particularly due to their methodology based on limited observations and interviews (520 for a population of 18 million) and their high cost (45 million euros per year). [...]