GLIMSC 2026 Committee

Committee: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Topic: Promoting Free and Fair Elections 

“Building democracy is a complex process. Elections are only a starting point but if their integrity is compromised, so is the legitimacy of democracy.”
– Kofi A. Annan, former UN Secretary General.

Free and fair elections are a key element in democratic governance and an essential part of sustainable development. They allow citizens to vote for their leaders, express their political views, and ensure governments are held accountable. However, all around the globe, many countries are facing significant challenges in ensuring that elections are accessible, fair, and reliable. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) plays a fundamental role in supporting member nations as they work together to strengthen democratic institutions and electoral processes.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), a founding document of the United Nations (UN), emphasizes that democracy and fair election practices are a fundamental human right, stating “The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage, and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.” To support this human right, the UN has established international frameworks for voting rights and fair elections. Since 1991, the UN has provided electoral assistance to over 115 countries; the UNDP alone provides electoral assistance to an average of 60 countries each year.

The primary barriers to maintaining free and fair elections are voter suppression, poor election integrity, the spread of misinformation, and the risk of post-election violence. Voter suppression typically occurs through restrictive laws, lack of access to polling stations, misinformation, or intimidation tactics – voter suppression is often used against marginalized groups, such as women or ethnic minorities. Election integrity includes ensuring that votes are counted accurately and that the process is transparent for citizens. Many problems such as corruption, ballot tampering, and lack of independent oversight can undermine public trust in election outcomes in many nations. The spread of misinformation has become a prevalent challenge in the modern election process, impacted by social media and its ability to quickly spread false and unverified information. Finally, post-election conflict remains a concern in many nations. When the results from an election are disputed or perceived as unfair or illegitimate, tensions can escalate into violence. 

As delegates in the UNDP, you should consider how to balance the need to uphold universal democratic processes while also respecting national sovereignty. Delegates must explore ways to support nations in building and establishing fair and inclusive electoral systems while addressing new and growing challenges such as digital interference and political division. The UNDP is a UN agency with a broad mission to achieve 17 core Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are a list of integrated strategies to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all people. Goal 16 is Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – a major element of which is a continued dedication to the UDHR’s stance on democracy.  The UNDP has played a key role in improving the integrity of elections worldwide. The UNDP focuses on creating long-term capacity within nations rather than being directly involved and running elections themselves. The role of international cooperation and collaboration is key in addressing these challenges faced across the world, whether it be in developed or developing nations. Organizations like the UNDP promote collaboration with governments, non-government organizations, and local agencies to share best practices and provide them with the necessary resources. However, this involvement also raises questions about protecting national sovereignty and the extent to which international actors, such as the UN, should be involved in domestic electoral processes.

Guiding Questions:

1. Does your country utilize democratic processes? What are the most prevalent barriers to democracy in your country? 
2. How can governments and international organizations combat misinformation and ensure voters have access to accurate information?
3. In what ways can electoral systems be made more inclusive to ensure participation from all members of society?
4. What steps can the UNDP take to support free and fair elections while respecting a country’s sovereignty?

Sources:

IVERIFY. UNDP. https://www.undp.org/digital/iverify 

Electoral Cycle Support. UNDP. https://www.undp.org/governance/electoral-cycle-support 

Sustainable development goals. UNDP. https://www.undp.org/sustainable-development-goals 

Derebasi, Y., & Bertelsen, B. (2026, February 23). Bridging the gap between Technical Innovation and Development Impact. UNDP. https://www.undp.org/digital-innovation/stories/bridging-gap-between-technical-innovation-and-development-impact 

UNDP. (2026). A Youth-Informed Policy Brief on Inclusive Electoral Participation in Bangladesh. https://www.undp.org/sites/g/files/zskgke326/files/2026-02/policy_brief_final.pdf