A review of international treaties, national constitutions and judicial decisions shows that re-election is not conceived as a human right. The main international instruments recognize the right to take part in the conduct of public affairs, to vote and to be elected, and to have access to public service, on general conditions of equality. The right to active and passive vote should be realized through genuine periodic elections, by universal and equal suffrage, and by secret vote or other equivalent procedures that guarantee the free expression of the will of the voters. These are essential elements to ensure that individuals participate in the political life of their community. Just as other human rights, they protect the foundations of liberty, self-fulfillment and fundamental rights of any person, considered as the essential condition of human dignity.