Written question asked by Viscount Waverley (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Triesman (Labour) on Wednesday, 9 November 2005.

Elections: Sanctions

Question: Whether they will apply sanctions against governments and individuals in a position of authority in those states where elections were deemed not to have been free and fair by professional election monitors.

Answer: The Government have applied sanctions against certain governments and individuals in situations where there have not been free and fair elections, such as the EU sanctions against Zimbabwe and Burma. The Government believe that the lack of a free and fair election constitutes an important element in the case for sanctions and that election monitors play a crucial role in providing information on how elections are conducted. Other elements which the Government take into account when considering sanctions include broader failures on the part of the target state and individuals to address good governance, human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

Secondary information