Nic Cheeseman is professor of democracy at the University of Birmingham and founding editor of the Oxford Encyclopedia of African Politics. Brian Klaas is assistant professor of global politics at University College London and a weekly columnist for the Washington Post.
Excellent. -Richard Cockett, Literary Review Democracy is in a worldwide recession dating back at least a decade, as unscrupulous and powerful people successfully abuse every part of the electoral process. That is the depressing message of this lively book. . . [Cheesman and Klaas's] chirpy tone belies the thorough research and bleak message. -Edward Lucas, The Times A timely wake-up call to the greatest political paradox of our time. Although more elections are being held than ever before, we are witnessing a worldwide undermining of democracy and democratic processes. This book reveals how elections are being rigged, why it matters and what we can do about it. A must read for anyone fighting for democratic governance and for the voices of citizens and ordinary people. -Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director, Oxfam International Clear, punchy, and potentially revolutionary, How to Rig an Election should be read by every voter, civil society activist, opposition politician, election monitor, journalist and diplomat who has ever come away from a voting booth or tallying centre feeling angry, worried or frustrated. -Michela Wrong, author of It's Our Turn to Eat Democracy is great, unless it can be undermined, manipulated and rigged. This eye-opening and important book is essential reading for everyone who wants to get democracy right again, so that it acts as it should: in the genuinely best interests of each and all. -A.C. Grayling, author of War Cheeseman and Klaas hit the nail on the head: in many countries elections are a sham. The problem is getting worse, while the international community connives at being deceived. The implications for public policy are profound and will take years to digest. An excellent book. -Sir Paul Collier, author of Wars, Guns and Votes A concise, penetrating examination of why and how a growing number of governments are rigging elections, brimming with telling examples and practical recommendations for how concerned international actors can do more to help reverse this disturbing global trend. -Thomas Carothers, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace