In: Holly Ann Garnett, and Toby S. James (eds), The Oxford Handbook of Electoral Integrity<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
This chapter summarizes the methods that international organizations use to advance the cause of
\nelectoral integrity worldwide. We consider both election observation and technical election assistance
\n(capacity-building). We evaluate the evidence on the effectiveness of these methods in improving election
\nquality and reducing election violence. We note that different actors have different areas of expertise and
\ndifferent levels of legitimacy in recipient states, which can shape the degree of local cooperation and
\n\u201cbuy-in.\u201d Finally, we consider how the rise of authoritarian global powers\u2014led by China and Russia\u2014
\nposes challenges to international electoral assistance. Developing countries face a more contested global
\nnormative environment, and they can increasingly turn to nondemocratic sponsors for economic support
\nwithout any expectation or pressure to improve the integrity of their elections or invite potentially critical
\ninternational election assistance. We conclude with implications for policymakers. Despite the
\nchallenging global context for election assistance at present, we identify a set of best practices and
\ndomestic contexts which present windows of opportunity for international electoral assistance.<\/p>\n