Elections have been a vital part of democratic transitions, decolonization, and the implementation of peace agreements around the globe.
The United Nations delivers electoral assistance through many of its entities, overseen by the Electoral Assistance Division of the Department of Political Affairs. The UN has supervised and observed plebiscites, referenda and elections worldwide and increasingly focuses its electoral efforts today on providing technical assistance to help Member States build credible and sustainable national electoral systems. The Department of Peacekeeping Operations also assists election processes in many ways including through the provision of security, technical advice and logistical support.