Free, fair and trusted elections provide legitimacy to governments and ensure the genuine expression of the will of the people. Electoral justice guarantees electoral processes are conducted with integrity and that mechanisms exist to restore electoral integrity when it has been violated.

Intentionally or unintentionally electoral norms may be violated by those who design, administer or participate in an electoral process. The manner in which these violations are addressed can determine the overall legitimacy of an electoral outcome and the level of trust in the electoral process. The realisation of electoral justice requires a set of institutions, practices, norms and mechanisms that culminate in fair and open processes—not simply on election day but throughout the electoral cycle.

The Electoral Justice System Assessment Guide is designed to support users to assess the administration of electoral justice in their country. Inclusivity and accessibility are important elements of electoral justice. The questions in the Assessment Guide reflect key electoral justice principles, drawing on international standards and an analysis of diverse electoral justice practices from many countries around the world.