Election observation has become an integral part of the democratic process, aiming to evaluate the integrity and fairness of electoral systems worldwide. In an era where representative democracy faces increasing scrutiny, election observation may play a pivotal role in restoring voter trust. The ongoing debates around who observes elections, the motivations and methodologies behind it, and the subsequent impact on elections remain critical. Recent studies underscore the importance of understanding the varied profiles of election observers, and the catalysts influencing international organizations’ choices to monitor specific elections or countries. Furthermore, the rise of 'fake' election observation missions raises questions about authenticity and effectiveness.

This Research Topic aims to explore the complexities surrounding national and international election observation. It concentrates on three fundamental questions: who are the observers, what methodologies do they employ, and what impact do these observations have? By exploring observers' profiles, decision-making processes of international entities, and the phenomenon of 'fake' missions, the research aims to bring clarity to who observes elections. The question of 'how to observe elections' focuses on methodologies, mission types, and recent challenges such as social media and internet voting. Understanding the impact of these missions involves assessing their influence on election quality and legitimacy, as well as their broader implications for democratic quality.

To gain further insights into these multifaceted dimensions, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• studies of various election observation missions, including national, domestic, and international observations

• detailed case studies of different regions, countries, or party families

• cross-country or organizational comparative analyses

• the relationship between election observation and democratic support, electoral assistance, and the international legal framework

• methodologies in data collection on election observation, including interviews, surveys, and quantitative analyses.

The Research Topic accepts Original Research articles and Brief Research Report articles, in addition to Methods articles and Data Report articles.

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Election Observation