Elections have been a component of decolonization, democratic transitions, and the implementation of peace accords in countries around the globe, and the United Nations has played a major role in providing  assistance for these important processes of change.  In the days of decolonization, the UN supervised and observed plebiscites and referenda leading to the creation of new independent states; today, the efforts of the Organization are increasingly focused on providing technical assistance to help Member States build credible and sustainable national election systems.

United Nations Electoral Assistance Division(UNEAD)