Abstract: This article is dedicated to the problem that is especially relevant for Russia at the moment. In March of 2018, presidential elections will be held in Russia, and in September – the direct elections of the heads of 17 subjects of Federation, including Moscow mayoral election. In the conditions of aggravation of relations with the West, the results of elections will compel special attention of foreign observers, including possible doubts in legitimacy of decision made by Russians. International monitoring at the elections allows forming a clear idea on the elections. The goal of this article is to reveal the importance of international monitoring of national election. The author also solves other tasks associated with revelation of historical facts, development of the institution of international monitoring of elections; as well as demonstrates the role and specificity of the works of OSCE and Council of Europe. The article examines a number of aspects that have not been previously discussed in the works of Russian authors. It is noted that the international monitoring has become a traditional form of control over the elections held at the various levels. The author makes generalizing conclusions and provides recommendations that can be  considered in future organization of the national, regional, and local elections.