Foreign election observers in Africa: Towards an obligations-based approach

Abstract

This article reflects on efforts by African countries to employ election observation assessments through domestic and international observers based on the obligation to comply with public international law. There are mixed feelings among voters, politicians and civil society organisations about the objectivity of election observation reports. This paper argues that basing election observation reports on legal commitments from public international law using the obligations-based approach articulated by the Cater Centre may enhance objectivity. The study is a content analysis of the obligations-based approach and observation reports made in selected African countries. Results indicate contradictions on findings of the same election by different international observers. An integrated obligations-approach framework on election observation should be developed by the African Union, and other international bodies in Africa. This may strengthen voter confidence and improve electoral democracy in the continent.