Development of international electoral standards: What next?

Abstract

The paper fills gaps in the research agenda of the international electoral standards studies. Election standards are considered as a phenomenon of electoral governance and an advanced institution of global governance as well. The main trends in the development of electoral standards are revealed, the change in their role and importance for electoral governance is described. Two main stages in the history of the development of international electoral standards have been identified. The article argues that at the present stage of development of electoral standards since the end of the 20th century, the scope of electoral standards has expanded to all major components of electoral governance. The processes of detailing and specifying election standards have led to a hierarchization and greater practical orientation of international norms for organizing and conducting elections. At the present stage, electoral standards go beyond the framework of international law; NGOs and international intergovernmental organizations play a crucial role in their development and promotion.