Electoral integrity and risk management
Anticipating critical situations and contributing, through rigorous and lawful arrangements, to the transparency and calm conduct of the electoral process.
Who it is for
Candidates, parties and organisations engaged in observing and monitoring elections.
When
From the pre-election phase for risk mapping, through to the declaration of results and any legal challenges.
Key deliverables
Risk register, polling-day monitoring protocol, results tabulation tool, post-election report.
Confidence in an election is built in advance
An electoral process is a logistical, legal and human operation of great complexity. Incidents — late delivery of materials, procedural irregularities, local tensions, rumours about results — can erode public confidence and undermine the legitimacy of the outcome, whoever wins.
The literature on electoral integrity stresses that transparency depends largely on the ability of stakeholders to observe, document and verify each stage of the process. A rigorous monitoring arrangement protects not only a candidate’s interests but the credibility of the election itself.
We support our clients in preparing strategically for critical scenarios, setting up monitoring arrangements that comply with the framework set by electoral authorities, and mapping risks at territorial level.
What the engagement covers
A preventive approach, based on anticipation rather than reaction.
Risk mapping by area
Identifying logistical, security, procedural and information risks, area by area.
Preparation for critical scenarios
Structured exercises anticipating controversies, objections and crises, to prepare measured responses.
Polling-day monitoring
Organising the presence of party agents in polling stations, in line with applicable rules.
Results tabulation
Structured collection and parallel verification of tally sheets for a fast and reliable reading.
Documenting incidents
Protocols for factual recording of observed irregularities, usable through lawful channels of appeal.
Post-election communication
Principles for responsible public statements before, during and after the declaration of results.
Anticipate, organise, verify
An arrangement built in advance and tested before polling day.
Analysis
Study of the legal framework, the calendar and the risks specific to each area.
Design
Developing monitoring, reporting and verification protocols.
Training
Preparing party agents on procedures and rules of conduct.
Execution
Coordinating the arrangement on polling day and centralising data.
Review
Factual report and recommendations for future elections.
Explicit, verifiable methods
Every tool we use is documented: its sources, assumptions and limitations are known to our clients.
Risk register
Assessing each risk by likelihood and severity, with a response plan.
Tabletop exercises
Structured simulations of critical situations to test the speed and consistency of responses.
Parallel results verification
Methodical comparison of collected tally sheets with published results.
Documentation protocols
Standardised forms ensuring the accuracy and evidential value of observations.
Measuring honestly
Every indicator is labelled by status — target, calculated estimate or measured result — in line with our principles of rigour
| Indicator | What it shows | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Polling station coverage | The share of polling stations where a trained agent is actually present. | Measured result |
| Tabulated tally sheets | The proportion of tally sheets collected and verified on time. | Measured result |
| Risk level by area | Qualitative assessment of exposure to incidents. | Calculated estimate |
| Trained agents | The number of agents the arrangement plans to prepare. | Target |
Protecting the election, never disrupting it
Our arrangements aim at the transparency of the electoral process; they operate strictly within the law.
Preparation, not offence
Adversarial scenario simulations are preparation exercises, never intrusive research into individuals.
Respect for electoral authorities
Our monitoring arrangements scrupulously follow the rules set by election management bodies.
Factual rigour
Only documented facts are recorded. We do not feed rumours about results.
Lawful remedies
Any challenge goes exclusively through the judicial channels provided by law.
The legitimacy of a result is built long before it is declared.AXIOME working principle
In what contexts do we work?
Illustrative situations: they do not describe actual engagements.
A high-stakes election
A close national election where the speed and reliability of results reporting are essential.
A vast and varied territory
A large constituency where logistical constraints expose some areas to incidents.
A tense information climate
Rumours are circulating about how the election is being organised, calling for factual and calm communication.
Frequently asked questions
No. Independent observation is the work of dedicated organisations. Our arrangements help clients exercise, within the law, their rights of monitoring and verification.
Document it factually and precisely, then bring it before the competent bodies following the procedures provided by law.
Because most risks are prevented through organisation: recruiting and training agents, logistics, communication protocols. These workstreams take time.
Related expertise
Let's discuss your project
Every political context is unique. A first, strictly confidential conversation allows us to understand what is at stake and define the most relevant support.
