Sweden to promote free and fair elections in 2025

“Freedom and democracy are threatened both in our neighbourhood and globally, which poses a direct challenge to Swedish interests and our security. Free and fair elections are a cornerstone of a functioning democratic society. Given the current global situation, it is all the more important for Sweden to support free elections across the globe,” says Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa. 

Election Observation Missions are an important part of the Government’s efforts to promote democracy. They aim to foster greater democratic participation and influence by supporting free, fair and transparent elections. Sweden’s participation in election monitoring has led to a lower risk of violence during ongoing elections, identification of shortcomings in the election process and the compilation of election-monitoring reports for the public. This contributes to democratic developments and improving future election processes.

The participation of Sweden and other countries in Election Observation Missions has an impact. Recommendations from previous Missions have helped create reforms that have led to changes such as lower age limits for standing as an election candidate, fairer regulations around election campaign financing and greater opportunities for women, young people and people with functional disabilities to participate.