Is there such a thing as a perfect election in this world? No. Read every single election observation report from any country and you will find many incidents of fraud. There is no “perfect” election, although we — as election observers — seek “free and fair elections”. How does one determine that an election is free and fair? There are many international guidelines that provide an answer. One example is the Dili Indicators of Democratic Elections of the Asian Network for Free Elections (Anfrel). The five indicators of nations with free and fair elections are: they have an overall legal framework that provides universal suffrage and guarantees basic freedom; a level playing field; a professional electoral management body; inclusive and meaningful citizen participation; and mechanisms to ensure effective, efficient and impartial electoral justice ...

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