ISPI – The Electoral Cycle Approach

This paper aims to shed light on the more recent developments among the main players of the international electoral community, comprising donors, international organisations, beneficiary countries and practitioners. Taking into account the findings of commissioned, external evaluations and of international conferences in the period 2009-2011, it aims to provide an overview of the lessons learnt and to comment on the guiding principles currently under discussion. The paper also aims to show how these new guiding principles can and should be translated into a more holistic programmatic approach and operational responses that, If implemented, these would make electoral assistance more effective, sustainable and more consistent with the national objectives of the beneficiary countries.