Does Democracy Aid Improve Electoral Quality? The Impact of Democracy Aid on Electoral Violence and Free and Fair Elections in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

While most countries in Sub-Saharan Africa adopt multiparty elections, the quality of elections in these countries is not highly regarded. This paper investigates whether democracy aid contributes to improving the quality of elections, with a specific focus on two aspects: electoral violence and the integrity of free and fair elections. Through an analysis of 185 elections held in 41 Sub-Saharan African countries that conducted multiparty elections from 2002 to 2021, this study finds that higher levels of democracy assistance before elections are associated with a reduction in electoral violence and an improvement in the quality of free and fair elections. The results suggest that aid donors should prioritize targeted assistance aimed at enhancing electoral quality and democratic institutions.