EAD 2

The Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs is the UN focal point for electoral assistance matters as endorsed by the General Assembly.

The focal point is supported by the Electoral Assistance Division (EAD) of the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA). The Division recommends to the focal point the parameters for all United Nations electoral assistance, pursuant to the request of Member States, and following an electoral needs assessment.

Work of the Division

Quick facts from the 2025 Secretary-General’s report

💡Did you know?

Since 1991, the UN has provided electoral assistance to 118 Member States and territories - over half of the UN membership. Read the latest Secretary-General’s report on UN electoral assistance (A/80/277) for more interesting facts.

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Read the report

Electoral Assistance

Work of the Division

The Electoral Assistance Division (EAD) supports the Focal Point by:

• Leading needs assessments;
• Recommending the scope and type of assistance;
• Advising on the design of electoral missions and projects;
• Managing the UN’s single roster of electoral experts;
• Providing system-wide guidance, policy advice, and good practice;
• Maintaining institutional memory of the Organization related to electoral matters;
• Maintaining partnerships with regional and intergovernmental organizations involved in elections, such as collaborating on capacity-development initiatives, including trainings for Member States.

States and territories that received United Nations electoral assistance (August 2023 - July 2025)