This book is the first in a planned trilogy by Pippa Norris on challenges of electoral integrity to be published by Cambridge University Press. With a global perspective, using new sources of data for mass and elite evidence, it provides fresh insights into the major issues.

Part I. Introduction: 1. Theories why electoral integrity matters; 2. Concepts; 3. Evidence; Part II. The Problem of Flawed Elections: 4. International concern about electoral integrity; 5. Public perceptions of electoral integrity; Part III. The Consequences of Electoral Integrity: 6. For legitimacy; 7. For political behavior; 8. For conflict and security; 9. For regimes; Part IV. Conclusions: 10. Conclusions: strengthening electoral integrity.

'Why Electoral Integrity Matters is a wide-ranging study that is essential reading for anyone interested in electoral integrity. Pippa Norris draws together an impressive array of evidence to provide a comprehensive analysis of the consequences of problem elections. This insightful volume will undoubtedly prove to be a seminal work in the burgeoning study of electoral conduct.' Sarah Birch, University of Glasgow'Electoral integrity is now a household word in election assessment parlance, but it has been unclear what it means and how it matters. Countries vary considerably in their level of electoral integrity, which subsequently impacts on democratization. Professor Norris' new book analyzes the concept thoroughly and demonstrates convincingly how and why electoral integrity matters. It is a must for all who are genuinely interested in election-related issues and their role in the world of today.' Jorgen Elklit, Aarhus University and University of Cape Town'There are numerous international commitments and global norms related to elections. Pippa Norris convincingly argues that we should take them seriously and use them as the basis for evaluating elections. Failing to do so can undermine political legitimacy and public confidence in the process. A must-read.' Thad Hall, University of Utah'Norris, author of books on democratization, elections, public opinion, gender politics, and political communication, presents the first volume in a planned trilogy on electoral integrity. She challenges the 'electoralist' view according to which the act of holding elections will automatically channel political action into peaceful contest among elites and give the winner public legitimacy, irrespective of the quality of those elections ... Summing up: recommended.' S. Mitropolitski, Choice'... [this] book is theoretically sophisticated and provides a brilliant comparative account of the relationship between electoral integrity and democracy around the world. [It] will be immensely useful to students and scholars of political science and comparative political sociology.' Sarbeswar Sahoo, Democratization

Pippa Norris is the McGuire Lecturer in Comparative Politics at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, and Laureate Fellow and Professor of Government and International Relations at Sydney University. She directs the Electoral Integrity Project (www.electoralintegrityproject.com). Her work compares democracy and democratization, elections and public opinion, gender politics, and political communications. Recent companion volumes by this award-winning author, also published by Cambridge University Press, include Driving Democracy (2008), Cosmopolitan Communications (2009), Democratic Deficit (2011), and Making Democratic Governance Work (2012). In 2011, she was awarded the Skytte Prize and the Kathleen Fitzpatrick Australian Laureate. In 2014, she was awarded the Karl Deutsch Award by the International Political Science Association.