Comparative Electoral Management Performance, Networks and Instruments

"Elections matter for so many reasons - not least for an orderly transfer for power and for citizens to reflect on, interact with, and directly affect their state institutions. The performance of electoral management bodies can make the difference between an election that is accepted with an orderly transition of power, or an election results that is challenged with ensuing problems of violence or societal instability. This ground-breaking study is the first to give election management the serious scholarly attention it rightly deserves. Toby James' insights on organising elections will provide valuable evidence-based advice for policy makers and election practitioners alike." - Therese Pearce Laanela, Head of Electoral Processes, International IDEA

"In Comparative Electoral Management Toby James provides an in-depth comparative analysis of one of the core administrative functions of democracy. Rich in data and innovative conceptualisation, the book draws on insights from a variety of disciplines to address a topic, the urgency of which is rapidly becoming apparent to citizens the world over. The result is a highly informed and perceptive analysis of how elections are run and how they might be improved." - Sarah Birch, King's College London, UK

"Toby James demonstrates very convincingly in this major book that electoral management matters a lot for the quality of elections and for how reliable election results are as a reflection of the electorate's intentions. Comparative Electoral Management is, therefore, a book that will be of great value for at least three audiences: students of elections, electoral practitioners, and - hopefully - politicians interested in the improvement of the quality of elections and electoral administration in their country." - Jørgen Elklit, Aarhus University, Denmark