HOW TO USE THIS GUIDEBOOK Who is it for? This Guidebook is a tool for public officials—election management bodies, law enforcement, or other institutions—who are responsible for carrying out election investigations or fact-finding processes in politically sensitive and time restrained electoral environments. Why was it developed? This Guidebook seeks to provide comparative examples of how different countries approach election investigations, and to set out a general framework and guidelines for the investigative process. The content and design are informed by more than three decades of global experience by IFES with election dispute resolution (EDR) processes. We have observed and responded to a range of challenges that are unique to election investigations or fact-finding processes. We have found that, depending on the type of electoral dispute or violation, evidence can be difficult to find, transport, and secure, and investigators may face considerable time pressure as election results cannot be delayed indefinitely. In some countries, it may be unclear who is responsible for fact finding and conducting investigations, or investigators may lack experience with the electoral process and its unique challenges. Fact-finding processes for electoral complaints can also require concurrent investigation of both criminal and administrative violations, adding an additional layer of complexity and required expertise. There are many different models for EDR around the world, and therefore no “one-size-fits-all” approach to how complaints, disputes, and violations should be investigated and adjudicated. There are also variations in legal traditions, institutional structures, procedural rules, and codification of different types of violations across countries that will influence how investigations are implemented in practice. Hence, this Guidebook does not purport to set out one approach; rather, it articulates a set of international standards and good practices for public officials to consider. Because comparative information 11