Preventing and Addressing Electoral Corruption Through Participatory Approaches

Abstract

This article aims to study and analyze electoral corruption as a significant issue that impacts democratic governance and public trust in the electoral system. Addressing and resolving this issue necessitates the involvement of all sectors of society in a collaborative process. The objective of this article is to explore preventive and corrective measures against electoral corruption through the participation of citizens, government agencies, the private sector, and civil society organizations. Utilizing qualitative research methods, the study encompasses document analysis, in-depth interviews with experts, and relevant case studies.

The findings reveal that public participation is a cornerstone of creating a transparent and fair electoral process, particularly through election monitoring and oversight initiatives. These include establishing citizen volunteer networks, organizing training sessions on voter rights and responsibilities, and campaigning to raise awareness about rejecting vote-buying practices. Regarding government agencies, proactive measures such as the development of real-time reporting systems, coordination with related agencies, and modernization of electoral laws to ensure comprehensiveness and relevance are crucial for preventing and addressing corruption. Additionally, fostering collaboration with the private sector and civil society organizations—such as launching campaigns to promote youth and public engagement, leveraging information technology to monitor election processes, and enhancing the media's role in effectively reporting corruption issues—significantly reduces opportunities for misconduct.

This article concludes that tackling electoral corruption requires a concerted effort from all sectors, emphasizing a transparent and systematic participatory approach. It also proposes actionable strategies that can be adapted to other national contexts to foster confidence in democratic systems and sustainable elections.