R. Linders A. M.

№ 3, 2020

• Decentralization of the Election Management System

  The article presents the first comprehensive study of the decentralized management system in the field of the electoral process, which includes systematization of the empirical experience of applying the decentralized model of electoral management in different countries of the world and its theoretical understanding. One of the tasks of the work is to rehabilitate the decentralized model of electoral management, which is considered in the modern scientific literature mainly in a negative way. In contrast to this approach, N. Grishin and A. M. R. Linders offer an interpretation of this model as one of the institutional factors contributing to the democratic and fair elections.

  Based on the cross-case analysis and the principles of traditional institutionalism, the authors identify the main forms and parameters of decentralization of election management, taking into account both vertical and horizontal dimensions of this process, fix the distinctive features of centralized and decentralized models of electoral management, and analyze in detail the administrative, managerial and political effects of decentralization in the field of election management, such as specialization in the implementation of individual managerial functions, impartiality in decision-making, openness to innovation, inclusiveness, transparency, reduced opportunities for abuse of power, corruption and fraud, and increased confidence in the electoral system and election results. The article shows that one of the most important features of the decentralized model of electoral management is the presence of a kind of system of checks and balances, and considers the prospects for turning the principle of decentralizing election management into one of the new electoral standards.

  DOI: 10.30570/2078-5089-2020-98-3-99-115

  Pages: 99-115