Unfair election

An unfair election identifies when an election is not free and fair. Unfair elections violate one or more of the characteristics of free and fair elections. A free and fair election has the following characteristics:^[1]

• Equal voting rights, without unreasonable restrictions
• Freedom of association for political groups and right to be a candidate
• Parity of resources among political groups to persuade
• An informed debate, with equal opportunity to express a view (political freedom of press)
• The government's power is not unduly curtailed by the constitution or international agreements
• The elected government can take legislative action to enact its promises
• Electoral Commission that ensures a free and fair election
• Voting system that comes close to ensuring all votes count equally