Conceptual Aspects of Combating Electoral Extremism

Manifestation of extremism elements in the course of preparation for and holding of elections and referendums can trigger destructive consequences irreversible for the state and society: from social upheavals and "orange revolutions" to disruption of the constitutional order and forced seizure of power. The electoral system of any civilized state not only creates conditions for the democratic transition of power in accordance with the will of the people but is also aimed at maintaining stability and law and order in complicated conditions of the transitional electoral cycle including combating manifestations of extremism in the course of electoral procedures and prevention of election of extremists to positions of authority. Extremism that is most aggressively, strongly and dangerously manifested in electoral procedures requires government authorities to take precise and coordinated action to assure and protect electoral rights and freedoms of citizens from illegal encroachments. Legally consolidated authorities and functions of election organizers in the extremism combating issue give an opportunity to suggest a new form of manifestation of political extremism during preparation for and holding of elections and referendums, which is electoral extremism. In this publication, the author makes an attempt at conceptual justification of electoral extremism and giving an author’s definition thereof for the purpose of further analysis of ways of combating electoral extremism to assure free elections and electoral sovereignty of the state from encroachments of political radicals who are often sponsored by intelligence services of hostile foreign states.