CIAO DATE: 08/05

The Role of the Military in Elections

Abstract

Periodic and genuine elections based on universal and equal suffrage are a fundamental component of democratic society. It is recognised by the international community that all human beings should have the right to vote and to stand for election. Moreover, everyone has the right of equal access to public service. The inequality or discrimination based on race, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status should be prohibited.

Do the universal standards apply to soldiers' participation in elections? The position of the military with regard to elections is a special one. On the one hand, the military is made up of individual soldiers - human begins entitled to democratic elections. On the other hand, it is an institution on which, because of its special character and missions, can be imposed certain limitations which could not be applied to civilians.

Full Text (PDF, 28 pages, 238 KB)