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Title:
Index of Electoral Malpractice, 1995-2006

Subject Categories:
Election and campaign studies - Politics
Government and political systems - Politics
International politics and organisations - Politics
Political behaviour and attitudes - Politics

Depositor(s):
Birch, S., University of Essex. Department of Government

Principal Investigator(s):
Birch, S., University of Essex. Department of Government

Sponsor(s):
British Academy

Grant Number:
SG-46162

Abstract:
The aim of the Index of Electoral Malpractice, 1995-2006 was to investigate electoral malpractice in new and semi-democracies. It studied the mechanics of electoral malpractice and the frequency of different forms of abuse with reference to the strategic constraints under which political actors operate in different contexts. It also explored the causes and consequences of electoral malpractice.

The project employed a variety of data, including existing datasets and a new dataset created specifically for this research: the Index of Electoral Malpractice, 1995-2006, constructed on the basis of 136 election observation reports produced between 1995 and 2006 by international election observation missions in 57 states in 3 regions of the world, Latin America, Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Each report was coded independently by three coders according to a schema that distinguishes between the targets of various manipulative strategies: the legislative framework, campaign practices, and various aspects of the electoral administrative process. Coders were asked to code a total of 15 aspects of the electoral process, including an overall assessment of the quality of the election, as reflected in the observation mission’s evaluation.

Further information can be found on the Electoral Malpractice and Electoral Manipulation in New and Semi-Democracies web page.

Main Topics:
This dataset contains 15 variables:

• legal framework
• electoral authority independence
• contestation
• voter registration
• polling arrangements
• voting
• counting, tabulation and reporting
• dispute adjudication
• observer access
• media coverage
• misuse of state resources
• vote-buying
• voter intimidation/obstruction
• candidate intimidation/obstruction
• overall assessment of the election

Coverage:
Time Period Covered: January 1995-December 2006
Country: Multi-nation
Spatial Units: Countries
Observation Units: Administrative units (geographical/political)
Kind of Data: Numeric data; Aggregate (macro) level

Universe Sampled:
Location of Units of Observation:Cross-national; National
Population:National elections held in Eastern Europe, Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa between 1995 and 2006.

Methodology:
Time Dimensions: Pooled cross-section of election observation reports produced between 1995 and 2006.
Sampling Procedures: Convenience sample
Number of Units: 136 election observation reports.
Method of Data Collection: Compilation or synthesis of existing material; Election observation reports produced by the European Union, the Organization of American States, and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe
Weighting: No weighting used.

Language(s) of Written Materials:
Study Description: English
Study Documentation: English

Access:
Access Conditions: The depositor has specified that registration is required and standard conditions of use apply. The depositor may be informed about usage. See terms and conditions for further information.
Availability: ESDS International, UK Data Archive
Contact: Help desk: international@esds.ac.uk

Date of Release:
First Edition: 5 August 2008

Copyright:
Copyright S. Birch

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