IDEA is producing a Handbook on Electoral Dispute Resolution (EDR). With this Handbook, IDEA intends to take the lead in producing a much needed tool to provide a comparative analysis of EDR systems from a comprehensive perspective and with a global approach. The objective is to provide election management bodies, politicians, legislators, researchers and other relevant organizations with a practical, comparative and non-prescriptive instrument that becomes an integral part of the democracy reform/building process.
EDR systems are critical for the peacefulness of elections and, thus, constitute an essential element for political stability and also for the consolidation of democracy. Such systems are increasingly recognised as a critical factor that contributes to the principles of free, fair and credible elections. While election systems and electoral management, as well as the institutions entrusted with organizing elections, have been thoroughly studied and documented in a number of global bibliographies, EDR systems have not been given the same level of attention and critical analysis.
Apart from some pioneering research efforts in the study of EDR systems, there is at present not one single work that sets forth the principles, structures, characteristics and performance of EDR systems with a global perspective.
The IDEA Handbook will provide an analysis of existing EDR systems around the world, including an assessment of the nature, composition and methodologies of the bodies responsible for EDR under the different systems. It will provide a comparative evaluation of advantages and disadvantages of EDR systems and procedures, as well as an overview of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) systems and methodologies.
The Handbook will also address issues which affect EDR systems in the 'steady state', in locally driven transitions, and in internationally driven (post-conflict) transitions; and reflect on the influence of the political process on issues of EDR structuring and financing.
