The Electoral Tribunal: An Experiment in Combining the Functions of Electoral Administration and Justice

Abstract

This article presents the fi rst study of special electoral bodies that combine the functions of electoral administration and the highest court in the consideration of electoral disputes. Using cross-case analysis, the author examines the functional experience of electoral tribunals in 17 countries of the world. Distinctions between electoral tribunals and election commissions and electoral courts are discussed. The phenomenon of the electoral tribunal is characterized as historically the fi rst and most radical form of realization of the idea of the autonomy of electoral management. In terms of scope and concentration of powers, electoral tribunals are the strongest electoral bodies. Formally having the status of a fourth branch of government in some countries, the electoral tribunal actually violates the principle of separation of powers in a system of public administration of elections. The lack of opportunity to appeal against the actions of the supreme electoral body is a source of internal political tension and prevents the electoral tribunal from gaining recognition from international organizations.

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