Module III > Section IV

Risks and Considerations for Conducting and Publishing Research on Elections

In this section, guest author Tetyana Bohdanova guides readers through risks and questions of concern of conducting and publishing research on elections.

1. Impact of the investigation

Think carefully about how to best publicise the findings of your investigation, particularly if they concern an ongoing or recent election as the publication could impact the election outcome or the reaction to the election (e.g., when or if wrongdoings are uncovered).

Questions to ask:

  • What could be the impact of this investigation on the election?
  • Who stands to benefit or be harmed by the findings?
  • When is the best time and what is the best method to publicise the findings?
Author's Tip: In an electoral context, the timing of the publication might be limited by legal regulations. Verify whether there are any 'silent' periods during which campaigning is prohibited and be careful about disclosing information about election candidates during those periods. In some cases, it might be considered illegal by the regulators. If significant violations are uncovered, remember that in most places there is a regulated time period during which election results may be legally challenged.

2. Target audience(s) and channels

Think about the target audience of your investigation. The audience might also impact the format and method for sharing your findings (e.g., a written report, press conference, media article, etc).

Although highly dependent on the context, journalists might be used to receiving a brief press release, while rights defenders might be more accustomed to reading the report and citizens might like to read about the findings in their traditional or social media channels.

Author's Tip: In many contexts, it can be best practice to alert the subject of your investigation about your work and provide them with a copy of your findings ahead of time. You might even allocate a set period of time for them to respond before the findings are published. If some of your findings are too sensitive for open publication, consider presenting them to a limited circle of actors in a closed setting or sharing the findings through a secure channel.

3. Legal implications and personal safety

In some cases, the subject and the findings of your investigation may be sensitive and pose legal or security risks for the investigators. It is important to carefully consider potential repercussions of conducting such research in advance and to seek legal counsel and other necessary guidance.

Some questions that may help you to understand whether you are dealing with sensitive information:

  • Have you discovered any evidence that a breach of law or other serious wrongdoing has taken place?
  • Did your investigation uncover a risk to the security or integrity of someone's personal data?
  • Could your findings influence the outcome of an election process?
Author's Tip: If you intend to monitor the use of personal voters' data in an election, remember that credible non-partisan election observation is guided by a set of internationally accepted principles. Read more from the Global Network of Domestic Election Monitors here
First published: October 11, 2022

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