Elections have been a vital part of democratic transitions, the decolonization process, and U.N. supported peace agreements ending civil wars around the globe.

The Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs is the United Nations Focal Point for Electoral Assistance Activities, advising the Secretary-General on requests from Member states, and ensuring consistency in the delivery of electoral assistance by the United Nations. He is supported in this function by the Electoral Assistance Division of the Department of Political Affairs.

The Division:

• Reviews requests from Member States;
• Undertakes needs assessment missions;
  
• Provides technical assistance;
  
• Collaborates with other UN agencies and departments to design electoral assistance projects and the electoral components of peacekeeping operations;
  
• Coordinates and supports the activities of international observers, and helps to develop capabilities for impartial national election observation;
  
• Maintains a roster of international electoral experts.

U.N. electoral assistance has evolved over time. During the 1990s, the United Nations organized or observed landmark elections and popular consultations in East Timor, South Africa, Mozambique, El Salvador and Cambodia. More recently, the Organization has provided technical assistance in milestone elections in countries including Afghanistan, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Iraq, Liberia and the Solomon Islands.

Demand for U.N. assistance is growing, and operations have become more complex. The United Nations provided electoral assistance to 96 countries between 1989 and 2005.