This book is the first in a planned trilogy by Pippa Norris on challenges of electoral integrity to be published by Cambridge University Press. Unfortunately too often elections around the globe are deeply flawed or even fail. Why does this matter? It is widely suspected that such contests will undermine confidence in elected authorities, damage voting turnout, trigger protests, exacerbate conflict, and occasionally lead to regime change. Well-run elections, by themselves, are insufficient for successful transitions to democracy. But flawed, or even failed, contests are thought to wreck fragile progress. Is there good evidence for these claims? Under what circumstances do failed elections undermine legitimacy? With a global perspective, using new sources of data for mass and elite evidence, this book provides fresh insights into these major issues.

'Why Electoral Integrity Matters is a wide-ranging study that is essential reading for anyone interested in electoral integrity. Pippa Norris draws together an impressive array of evidence to provide a comprehensive analysis of the consequences of problem elections. This insightful volume will undoubtedly prove to be a seminal work in the burgeoning study of electoral conduct.' Sarah Birch, University of Glasgow

'Electoral integrity is now a household word in election assessment parlance, but it has been unclear what it means and how it matters. Countries vary considerably in their level of electoral integrity, which subsequently impacts on democratization. Professor Norris' new book analyzes the concept thoroughly and demonstrates convincingly how and why electoral integrity matters. It is a must for all who are genuinely interested in election-related issues and their role in the world of today.' Jørgen Elklit, Aarhus University and University of Cape Town

'There are numerous international commitments and global norms related to elections. Pippa Norris convincingly argues that we should take them seriously and use them as the basis for evaluating elections. Failing to do so can undermine political legitimacy and public confidence in the process. A must-read.' Thad Hall, University of Utah

'Norris, author of books on democratization, elections, public opinion, gender politics, and political communication, presents the first volume in a planned trilogy on electoral integrity. She challenges the 'electoralist' view according to which the act of holding elections will automatically channel political action into peaceful contest among elites and give the winner public legitimacy, irrespective of the quality of those elections … Summing up: recommended.' S. Mitropolitski, Choice

'… [this] book is theoretically sophisticated and provides a brilliant comparative account of the relationship between electoral integrity and democracy around the world. [It] will be immensely useful to students and scholars of political science and comparative political sociology.' Sarbeswar Sahoo, Democratization