"If the United States of America or Britain is having elections, they don't ask for observers from Africa or from Asia. But when we have elections, they want observers"

Nelson Mandela is highlighting a double requirement that exists in the international community when it comes to elections. He is explaining that Western countries, such as the United States and Britain, do not welcome observers from developing regions like Africa or Asia to monitor their own elections. Nevertheless, when these very same nations have elections, they are quick to require worldwide observers to come and monitor the procedure. Mandela is suggesting that this is unjust and hypocritical, and may reflect a predisposition against establishing areas and their ability to hold totally free and fair elections.