Can domestic observers serve as impartial arbiters

Evidence from Zambia’s 2021 elections

Dados Bibliográficos

ID6252958
AutoresRaymond Macdonald (0000-0003-0404-0256, Centre of African Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK, autor correspondente), Robert Macdonald (0000-0002-3496-9886), Thomas Molony (0000-0001-7336-5527, Centre of African Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK)
Ano2023
Volume30
Fascículo4
Páginas635-653
Data de publicação2023-05-19
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoDemocratization (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1351-0347 • E-ISSN: 1743-890X
EditoraInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/13510347.2023.2173177
OpenAlexW4319792527
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas3
Referências citadas26

With international election observation subject to increasing criticism, this article evaluates how effectively domestic observers can play the role of impartial arbiters relative to their international counterparts. It reviews academic arguments about the strengths and weaknesses of domestic and international observers, with a focus on 1) their methodologies, resources, and reporting practices; and 2) their credibility. It presents a case study of Zambia's 2021 elections, detailing the major observation missions and their activities. It then compares the media coverage and popular perceptions of domestic and international observers, showing that many Zambian citizens still have reservations about the partiality of domestic election observation initiatives. The article concludes by theorizing the conditions in which domestic election observation can 1) provide impartial evaluations of election conduct; and 2) be perceived as trustworthy sources of these evaluations

Law and economics · Political science · Sociology · Law · Media Studies and Communication · Political Conflict and Governance · Social Media and Politics