ABSTRACT
Variations on the theme of electoral manipulation in Africa are almost endless but, in broad terms, this chapter identifies eight main forms of malpractice. These are: the imposition of restrictions on the activities or even existence of an opposition; abuse of voter registration procedures; manipulation of the size of constituencies; restrictions upon the selection or registration of candidates. It also includes the unfair use of state resources; the amendment of constitutions in favour of the ruling party; the abuse of voting and counting procedures; and the overturning of unfavourable results. The debate around whether electoral monitoring is a necessary accompaniment of democratization in Africa revolves around two major questions. These are, first, whether or not it constitutes an affront to African dignity and sovereignty; and second, whether or not electoral monitoring achieves its objectives. The point of electoral monitoring is to provide for neutral supervision or observation of elections whose administration and results are likely to be disputed.
