The integrity of elections from the perspective of modern theories of democracy

Abstract

Trust in the integrity of electoral processes is crucial to democratic legitimacy. This article uses a comparative approach, drawing on both theoretical models and empirical data, to investigate electoral integrity from the perspective of contemporary democratic theory. The study examines how electoral fairness influences political trust and democratic stability in established and hybrid regimes, with a particular focus on the United States and Mexico. Employing the data available from a set of indices, the study proposes a new conceptual tool — the Electoral Integrity Vulnerability Index (EIVI) — to better understand systemic threats to electoral legitimacy. By integrating institutional, legal, informational and participatory dimensions, the EIVI enables a more nuanced assessment of electoral risks. The findings emphasise the importance of campaign finance regulation, electoral management independence and media freedom in ensuring electoral fairness. This article contributes to the ongoing debate about the causes and consequences of electoral decline, offering a roadmap for future research into institutional resilience in electoral democracies.