Journal Article
| 2004
Election observation as an informal means of enforcing political rights
This article argues that election observation has evolved as an informal enforcement mechanism with respect to several articles contained in the Internatio nal Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, especially Article 25. This informal function stems from the inadequate enforcement capacity of the Human Rights Committee and its limited means of sanction, coupled with the rise of election observation since the early 1990s. The rationale of election observation nd its contentious nature are discussed. the criticisms levelled against the practice are highlighted. Notwithstanding this critique, the article concludes that election observation has contributed to the enforcement of election-related political rights.
