The organization of elections is a complex undertaking for any society. It requires the broadest social mobilization and implementation of various electoral activities, while complying with strict procedures and deadlines. Therefore, many things can—and often do—go wrong due to deficient laws, logistical hurdles, technical and human errors, or unethical actions taken by key electoral actors, to mention a few. When risks materialize, they can generate stresses, shocks or crises that can undermine the integrity of the electoral process.

The Guide outlines key context-related (exogenous or external) risk factors that can undermine electoral integrity, either as a cause or contributing cause. When these risks factors materialize, they can generate stresses, shocks or crises in the electoral process. Combined with the partner Guide on internal (process) risk factors, it provides a more complete overview of electoral integrity risk factors.