The concept of electoral process

Introduction: the concept of electoral process is analysed in the article. Purpose: to define the essential features of electoral process and its stages. Methods: general scientific methods of research (dialectics, analysis and synthesis, abstraction and concretization), as well as specific scientific methods (comparative legal, technical) were used. Special attention was paid to comparative and systemic methods. Results: it was established that electoral actions of various stages can take place simultaneously. At each stage of the process, some material or procedural electoral rights are implemented within the limits of the activity which is strictly regulated by the electoral legislation. Thus, electoral process represents a system of material or procedural electoral legal relations. Electoral process is subdivided into stages that combine material or procedural electoral legal relations united by a common goal. These stages can be subdivided into other three stages: the preparatory stage, the stage of election campaigns of candidates and electoral associations, and the final stage of electoral process. Conclusions: the term “electoral process” is rather vague and does not reflect the full meaning of the concept. It is impossible to blindly apply the positions of civil and criminal law to electoral rights. The author considers that it is necessary to establish the concept of electoral process in electoral law on the legislative basis, which will allow for increasing the level of protection of electoral rights of citizens and parties.